After a tumultuous few years with product and software releases, Sonos has zoned in on what it does best and announced two new speakers which to me feel like they’ve gone back in time and back to basics focussing on just what Sonos is all about – high quality sound in any room.
The Era 100 SL from Sonos is the same design and overall concept as the ERA 100, but without the microphone for smart speaker and TruePlay compatibility – basically it’s about room-filling sound and the ability to be a bolt on to a Sonos soundbar system, or expand your multi-room home audio setup.
“Much of consumer tech promises innovation, yet too often delivers isolation — new devices replacing old ones instead of building on what already works,” said Tom Conrad, Chief Executive Officer of Sonos. “We believe a great sound experience shouldn’t reset every time you add something new. It should get better. Sonos Play and Era 100 SL are a clear expression of what Sonos does best — creating products that feel simple on the surface, but are deeply powerful because of the system behind them.”
Build quality is typical Sonos from my short time looking at both products, and their simple on-device controls are a much needed way to interact when you don’t want to dive into the Sonos app.
Plus, using AirPlay 2 you can instantly stream from any Apple Device, and Bluetooth too makes streaming music a breeze. In reality, you only need to go deep on the Sonos app when you’re going full multi-room playback.
The Sonos Play is a new versatile speaker which can sit in one place, or go with you around the home or away from home.
A simple powered base is where it lives to charge and play, but when you want music by the BBQ pick it up and take it with you. Heading down the park – you’re good to go too.
Two Sonos Play speakers can be linked for Stereo sound and up to four can be grouped for a party mode with booming sound.
My initial impressions of the Play are that it’s stunning quality build, great sound, but volume limited – this is a great room speaker, but you’ll want a few to get big room sound.
Sonos Play is available March 31 for $499 while the Era 100 SL will cost $289.
Trev is a Technology Commentator, Dad, Speaker and Rev Head.
He produces and hosts several popular podcasts, EFTM, Two Blokes Talking Tech, Two Blokes Talking Electric Cars, The Best Movies You’ve Never Seen, and the Private Feed. He is the resident tech expert for Triple M on radio across Australia, and is the resident Tech Expert on Channel 9’s Today Show and appears regularly on 9 News, A Current Affair and Sky News Early Edition.
Father of three, he is often found in his Man Cave.
