Sonos Ace Q&A reveals timelines for TV Audio swap and other exciting new features

Update 07/08/24: Sonos is now rolling out TV Audio swap on Android and iOS with the latest update.

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Sonos has always been known for its high-quality audio products, which — like I found out in this detailed Sonos Ace review roundup — explains why the company’s first foray into the headphone market has garnered significant attention.

Recently, Sonos held a live Q&A session, featuring Director of Innovation, Adib Mehrabi and Head of Audio for Sonos Ace, Cameron MacLeod, to address questions from the community and provide updates on upcoming features for the Sonos Ace.

During the live Q&A, Mehrabi and MacLeod provided a more specific timeline for several highly anticipated Sonos Ace features, all slated for release later this summer or early fall.

Top of mind for many users was the timeline for expanding the Ace’s signature feature, TV Audio Swap, to other Sonos soundbars. Sonos confirmed that support for the Ray and Beam (Gen 1 & 2) soundbars is in internal testing and will roll out later this summer or early fall. Android users eagerly awaiting TV Audio Swap setup and TrueCinema support can also expect these features in the same timeframe, as they are currently in beta testing. As a workaround, Sonos Ace users who badly need TV audio swap can borrow an iPhone or iPad and use it to set up the function. Once done, you can continue using the feature on your Android device.

Sonos is also exploring advanced equalizer options and the possibility of using two Ace headphones simultaneously with a soundbar for shared audio experiences. The team says Sonos is still investigating the potential for using two Ace headphones simultaneously with a soundbar, suggesting that they’ll looking at user requests. If added, this could be particularly useful for couples wanting to watch TV without disturbing others. However, they emphasized that initial focus was on perfecting the single-Ace experience before expanding to multi-headphone scenarios.

One of the more technical aspects discussed was the Sonos Ace’s lack of traditional Wi-Fi connectivity. Addressing these concerns, Sonos clarified that the Ace does have a Wi-Fi chip used for point-to-point connection with soundbars during TV Audio Swap. However, they opted for Bluetooth as the primary connection method for broader compatibility and power efficiency, though they remain open to incorporating Wi-Fi in future headphones.

The team also acknowledged the limitations of using the Ace with Sonos Amp due to range constraints and the nature of point-to-point Wi-Fi connections. The Ace headphones rely on point-to-point Wi-Fi connections with soundbars, which may not always be feasible with Amps that are often tucked away in some corner of the house or out of sight under the stares.

Accessibility features were also on the agenda, with Sonos confirming their interest in adding speech enhancement capabilities. This feature aims to improve speech intelligibility and could be a valuable addition for many users. However, no timeline was provided, as Sonos prioritizes other features deemed more immediately beneficial.

Throughout the Q&A, Mehrabi and MacLeod emphasized their commitment to listening and learning from their user base through Reddit and other forums. They acknowledged the feedback regarding Wi-Fi support and suggested they aren’t ruling out future changes, understanding that the Sonos Ace is their inaugural attempt in the headphone market.

The Q&A session also provided valuable insights into Sonos’ plans for the Ace headphones. While the absence of certain features and the reliance on Bluetooth might disappoint some users, Sonos’ transparency and willingness to engage with the community demonstrate a positive approach towards improving their products and services.

The team briefly touched on the backlash regarding the mobile app redesign, apologizing for the inconvenience and promising to improve in the future. The company is already delivering on this with incremental updates bringing bug fixes and improvements. While this Q&A focused on the Sonos Ace, the mention showed their awareness of broader user concerns.

There’s no doubt features like TV Audio Swap and TrueCinema promise a unique and immersive listening experience on these headphones. And with updates expected later this summer or early fall, Sonos Ace users have a lot to look forward to.

Featured image: Sonos