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Sonos unveiled its Sonos 27 software platform alongside new hardware, introducing annual OS version numbers and a redesigned app interface. The update lets external AI assistants like ChatGPT control Sonos systems through a public MCP server, enabling voice or text commands to play music, move audio between rooms, and adjust volume without a dedicated app.
Sonos has released the Ace Ultra, a successor to its original Ace headphones, adding the ability to pull audio from any Sonos speaker or soundbar rather than just a limited set of compatible soundbars. The feature, powered by a new Headphone Engine 2 platform with redesigned Wi-Fi hardware, lets users move sound from TVs, turntables or streaming apps to the headphones with a single button press, though it remains an opt-in Early Access feature.
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.
Sonos has introduced the Ace Ultra, a premium successor to its Ace noise-canceling headphones priced at $449. The new model features Sonos-designed 40mm drivers, upgraded adaptive noise cancellation, a 10-microphone array, and Headphone Engine 2, which enables direct one-button linking to a user's Sonos system. Preorders open now, with shipping starting September 29 in black, soft white, agave and sand colorways.
Sonos unveiled its next-generation app, dubbed Sonos 27, alongside a second-generation over-ear headphone (Ace Ultra) and a new soundbar (Beam Ultra). The update includes generative AI voice tools, improved navigation, room sorting, volume controls, and upcoming system health diagnostics, following the disastrous 2024 app relaunch that stripped away accessibility and volume features and led to a leadership shakeup.
JBL introduced three new Cove wireless speakers—the M1 ($229), P1 ($399), and X1 ($449)—that support both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, with the P1 being the only portable, battery-powered option. The speakers are controlled through the JBL One app, support multi-room grouping, Alexa voice control, and can be paired as stereo or surround channels with JBL's Bar Series soundbars. Preorders are open now, with shipping set for September 13.
Sonos hosted an Open House event on September, unveiling its next wave of hardware after CEO Thomas Conrad hinted in July that the company had spent two decades building what he called an operating environment for AI in the home. The event, not livestreamed, was covered by Engadget staff on-site through a live text blog, with speculation swirling around potential new speakers, headphones, or app fixes.
Sonos held an event in New York to launch the Beam Ultra soundbar and Ace Ultra headphones alongside a major software update called Sonos 27, marking its largest product reveal since the troubled 2024 app relaunch. The update introduces an in-house voice assistant, Sonos 27voice, plus Sonos 27mcp, which lets users link outside AI models like ChatGPT or Gemini to control their systems, though Google Assistant remains unsupported. A future feature will let users build up to 10 custom AI agents with distinct voices and personalities to handle tasks like news updates or motivational prompts.
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.
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.