Recently, The Verge reported that Sonos was developing a significant new hardware device: a streaming box intended to rival the Apple TV 4K with a potential price tag of up to $400. However, it appears that Sonos has altered its trajectory and shelved the streaming TV product.
The Sonos TV streaming box is off the table
Chris Welch shares insights in The Verge:
Sonos has scrapped its plans for a streaming video player, as announced by the company’s leadership during an all-hands meeting today. The device, codenamed Pinewood, was poised to be a principal hardware release for Sonos. It was already significantly into development and had undergone months of beta testing. Now, the team supporting it will be redirected to other projects as interim CEO Tom Conrad reorganizes the company’s future strategy, aiming for recovery following a challenging 2024.
This cancellation marks the latest in a series of substantial challenges Sonos has faced over the past year.
The troubles began with a significant app redesign that left users dissatisfied, initiating a year filled with attempts to address issues, issue apologies, and ultimately led to the resignation of the company’s CEO.
The Pinewood TV streaming device could have provided a fresh start and injected new vitality under the leadership of CEO Conrad.
Regrettably, this promising product will not have an opportunity to succeed.
Welch points out that the cancellation of the TV box leaves Sonos without “a major new product to launch in the latter half of 2025.”
DMN’s Perspective
I was curious to see what Sonos had planned for its inaugural TV streaming box. Some aspects were quite enticing.
Nevertheless, Pinewood would have certainly posed a significant risk at a time when the company is already experiencing difficulties. A successful launch could have greatly enhanced Sonos’s reputation. However, the reported hefty price tag could make success difficult to attain.
Were you excited about Sonos’ TV streaming box? Share your thoughts in the comments.
