Proper Dolby Atmos soundbar placement requires clearing obstructions like ceiling fans and light fixtures so upward-firing drivers can bounce sound cleanly off a flat ceiling. The soundbar should sit roughly halfway up the wall, parallel to seating and near ear level, while side-firing models need unobstructed wall reflections toward the couch. Smaller soundbars without up-firing drivers, such as the Sonos Beam, offer more flexible placement for compact spaces using virtual Atmos processing instead.
engadget.com
· 2026-09-02
Sonos showcased its new $699 Beam Ultra soundbar and $449 Ace Ultra headphones at an open house event, alongside upcoming app updates. A private demo revealed the Beam Ultra's improved bass, vocal clarity, and Dolby Atmos performance using side- and top-firing drivers, plus the ability to wirelessly pair Play portable speakers as rear channels.
theverge.com
· 2026-09-01
Dolby Atmos for Headphones is a paid app for Windows and Xbox that virtually recreates spatial audio effects on ordinary stereo headphones, without requiring dedicated Atmos-enabled hardware. Users can try the surround simulation through a free trial before deciding whether to purchase the full software.
engadget.com
· 2026-09-01
Sonos introduced two new Ultra-branded products: the Ace Ultra headphones priced at $449 and the Beam Ultra soundbar priced at $699, both available for pre-order now and shipping September 29. The company also rebranded its software platform as 'Sonos 27,' rolling out alongside the hardware launch.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-09-01
Sonos has introduced the Beam Ultra, a premium successor to its mid-size soundbar lineup, featuring nine drivers including two upward-firing tweeters for genuine Dolby Atmos sound rather than simulated surround. Pre-orders start today ahead of a September 29 release at $699, and the device supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and HDMI eARC for building out a broader home theater setup with other Sonos gear.
engadget.com
· 2026-09-01
Sonos has introduced the Beam Ultra, a new soundbar slotted between the Beam and the flagship Arc Ultra. Unlike the Beam Gen 2's software-based surround effect, the Beam Ultra uses physical upfiring drivers to deliver real 7.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos sound, along with a redesigned center channel, AI speech enhancement, and Trueplay room tuning. It's available for preorder now and ships September 29, 2026.
cnet.com
· 2026-09-01
JBL unveiled the Cove series, a new line of three Wi-Fi connected speakers designed for whole-home audio setups. The lineup includes the $229.95 Cove M1, the battery-powered $399.95 Cove P1 with Dolby Atmos, and the flagship $449.95 Cove X1, all launching September 13th in black or white. Speakers link via Wi-Fi and the JBL One app, supporting Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Roon Ready, and Alexa Plus voice control.
theverge.com
· 2026-09-01
JBL unveiled three new Wi-Fi speakers under the Cove name: the $230 Cove M1, the $400 portable Cove P1, and the $450 Dolby Atmos-equipped Cove X1. All three connect via the JBL One app for synced multiroom playback and can double as rear speakers for JBL's Bar Series MK2 soundbars, with availability starting September 13 in black and white.
engadget.com
· 2026-09-01
Streaming tags like 'Dolby Atmos' and 'Lossless' refer to two separate audio technologies: Atmos creates a 3D soundstage by placing sounds in space, while lossless audio preserves the full quality of a recording without the data loss found in formats like MP3 or AAC. Because Atmos typically relies on the lossy Dolby Digital Plus codec, and lossless streaming uses formats like FLAC or ALAC, most platforms can't offer both simultaneously.
engadget.com
· 2026-08-28
Volvo has confirmed a software update bringing Spatial Audio support through Apple CarPlay to the EX90, following earlier plans to add the feature to the EX60 and ES90. The immersive sound experience relies on Dolby Atmos and requires the optional Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system with 25 speakers.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-08-26
ASUS has released its first gaming-focused soundbar, the ROG Gjallar, in the US market at a price of $600. The device features a 5.1.2-channel setup with Dolby Atmos support, a wireless 65W subwoofer, and a control hub with built-in microphones designed to enable headset-free multiplayer voice chat while filtering background noise.
engadget.com
· 2026-08-25
Amazon is selling the Sonos Arc Ultra Dolby Atmos soundbar for $899, a $200 cut from its $1,099 list price. The 18% discount ties the lowest price seen this year and matches the post-Prime Day low, with the product maintaining a 4.6-star rating.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-08-24
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