Sonos has unveiled two new Ultra products: the Sonos Beam Ultra soundbar and the Sonos Ace Ultra headphones. The Beam Ultra adds dedicated upward-firing speakers, delivering a true 7.1.2 Dolby Atmos configuration, while the Ace Ultra can now connect directly to the wider Sonos system, allowing seamless audio transfer between speakers and headphones.
In my opinion, the introduction of the Beam Ultra soundbar is a significant upgrade for Sonos. The addition of two upward-firing drivers is a game-changer, as it brings the soundbar closer to the Atmos hardware you'd typically expect from a larger setup. The fact that it still maintains a compact size is impressive, as it allows for easy placement beneath most TVs without taking up too much space.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the focus on dialogue clarity. The redesigned centre channel and AI Speech Enhancement feature ensure that voices in movies and TV shows are isolated effectively, reducing the need for subtitles. Additionally, the Night Sound feature is a thoughtful addition, allowing for better control over loud noises without disrupting others.
The Sonos Ace Ultra headphones, on the other hand, address a previous oversight in the brand's product lineup. The ability to connect directly to the Sonos system and seamlessly transfer audio between speakers and headphones is a welcome feature. It's similar to Apple's Handoff philosophy, but Sonos has been ahead of the game in this area.
The Ace Ultra headphones also introduce a new Headphone Linking feature, allowing users to push audio from nearby Sonos speakers to the headphones with a simple button press. This feature enhances the overall user experience, especially for those who want to maintain a quiet environment while listening to music.
Furthermore, the hardware upgrades in the Ace Ultra are notable. The new Sonos-designed 40mm driver and Adaptive ANC with 10 microphones provide improved noise cancellation and longer battery life. The inclusion of USB-C and 3.5mm inputs, along with Bluetooth connectivity, ensures that users have multiple options for wireless listening.
Sonos is also introducing Sonos 27, the next version of its audio operating system, which includes features like Sonos Positioning Technology and Sonos Fabric. These innovations aim to make Sonos products more intelligent, allowing them to figure out their roles and positions in a room without manual intervention.
In conclusion, Sonos' new Ultra products and Sonos 27 demonstrate the company's commitment to innovation and enhancing the user experience. The Beam Ultra soundbar and Ace Ultra headphones offer significant upgrades in terms of audio quality, connectivity, and user convenience. As an industry expert, I am excited to see how these products will shape the future of home audio systems.
