Sonos is gearing up to enter the competitive streaming market with its upcoming video streamer, codenamed Pinewood, set to launch later this year. Priced between $200 and $400, the device aims to carve out a niche in a crowded field dominated by players like Roku, Google TV Streamer, and Apple TV [1].
The Sonos streamer is designed to integrate multiple streaming services into a unified app interface,offering users a seamless experience. It will also come with a remote control, a feature that aligns it with competitors like the Google TV Streamer and Apple TV [2].
One standout feature is its ability to double as an HDMI switch, possibly allowing users to stream video sources throughout their homes, much like Sonos’s audio distribution system. This capability could set it apart from market leader Roku and position it as a competitor to Google’s Chromecast and Apple Airplay [3].
However, the price point raises eyebrows.While Sonos’s audio-only Port streamer costs $449, the Pinewood device’s $200-$400 range is significantly higher than typical streaming devices, which usually fall between $50 and $100. Even nvidia’s Shield TV Pro,a premium option,tops out at $200.At the high end, devices like Kaleidescape cost thousands, but they cater to a niche audience [1].This launch comes at a challenging time for Sonos. The company is still recovering from a poorly received app launch in May 2024, which led to the resignation of CEO Patrick Spence. While the Pinewood streamer represents a bold move into new territory, it remains to be seen whether it can deliver the turnaround Sonos desperately needs [2].
Key Features and Comparisons
| feature | Sonos Pinewood | Competitors (e.g.,Roku,Apple TV) |
|———————–|———————-|————————————|
| Price | $200 – $400 | $50 – $200 |
| Unified App Interface| Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Switch | Yes | No |
| Remote Control | Yes | Yes |
| Video Distribution | Potential | Limited |
Will the Sonos Pinewood redefine streaming,or will it struggle to justify its premium price? Only time will tell. For now, Sonos is betting big on its ability to innovate in a fiercely competitive market.
