MAGAZINE
The two new "Era" smart speakers from Sonos are supposed to bring various innovations and thus distinguish themselves from older models. Both speakers can receive music via Wi-Fi, Airplay or Bluetooth, among other things, and are also supposed to be ready for connections to various other sources via AUX and Sonos adapters. The Sonos Era 100 is described as a new edition of the Sonos One, and is stated offer new hardware – such as a larger midrange driver – and software. By putting two tweeters into the smart speaker, it is said to now offer stereo sound; furthemore, multiple Era 100 are said to be configurable as a stereo pair or as surround speakers.
The larger of the two new Sonos smart speakers is called Era 300 and is said to offer features such as surround, Dolby Atmos and 3D sound, for which the design of the housing is also said to have been optimized. According to Sonos, the Era 300 carries six drivers that direct music in all directions and thus should also be good for Dolby Atmos. The devices can also be used as surround speakers, and are said to be the first Sonos speakers to offer multichannel surround sound.
According to Sonos, the two new Era speakers were developed with a focus on sustainability, among other things. Thus, the devices are made of recycled plastics, among other things, and are said to offer low power consumption as well as high durability and easy repair options. Furthermore, both speakers carry the room correction system "Trueplay" as well as a new user interface.
Both new smart speakers from Sonos should be available from March 28, 2023*, the Era 300 is stated to cost about €500, the Era 100 as a successor to the Sonos One about €280*. At the same time, Sonos announces that 3D audio from Apple Music will also be available on the Era 300, Arc and Beam (Gen 2) devices from March 28*.
*Availability and prices for Germany.
