As well as announcing the Beam Ultra soundbar and Ace Ultra headphones, Sonos has revealed a key future software update, which gets a name for the first time. Sonos points out that its speakers and soundbars have been getting better for years through various software updates, but until now the company hasn’t put easy-to-follow version numbers like on platforms like iOS and Android.
That changes with Sonos 27, which Sonos says will make it easier to follow what’s new and what your stereo system is able to achieve. There are four key new features Sonos is adding with Sonos 27, and I think portable surrounds is the best.
If you don’t have a traditional surround-sound system with rear speakers permanently in situ, Sonos will allow you to temporarily pair portable speakers with one of its compatible soundbars (Sonos Arc, Arc Ultra, Beam Ultra, and Beam Gen 2) for movie night.
The Move 2 and Sonos Play speakers are compatible and, once the movie is over, they can go back to their purpose as roaming speakers. Set up happens in-app
“Put simply, the same speaker you bring to the beach on Saturday can be the right rear surround channel of your home theater on Friday night,” Sonos writes.
“The technology behind this feature automatically detects where your portable speakers are placed relative to your TV and listening position. After a quick initial setup through the Sonos app, the soundbar automatically connects to the pair of portable speakers when you place them in surround speaker locations. The system assigns left and right surround roles on its own — no app interaction or manual settings required. When you pick up a speaker to leave, it exits the home theater configuration. Set it back down near your soundbar later, and it instantly rejoins.”
Furthermore, Sonos is adding an improved personal listening feature for the Sonos Ace Ultra, which it says will enable users to “seamlessly move audio” between the new cans and a Sonos speaker/group over WiFi with the touch of a button on the headphones. The feature is currently available in early access.
Sonos 27 is also bringing a new and improved voice assistant build specifically for playing music in the home. “Say things like “Play that song I had on in the kitchen last night,” or “Put on something downstairs that the kids will like.” The system works out the rest,” Sonos explains.
Sonos is also enabling users to integrate control of Sonos with AI chatbots, so you won’t need to use a separate app. Sonos says: “Any LLM that is capable of using an MCP server may connect and, once authorized by a Sonos user, control their Sonos system.”
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