In 2023, rumors of a possible Sonos TV device intensified when Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that the company had plans to release a dedicated streaming box priced around $150 to $200. The device, codenamed “Pinewood,” according to Gurman’s unnamed sources, will handle 4K video, along with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision. Now, thanks to a previously unreported Sonos patent application discovered by Janko Roettgers, we know a little more about how such a Sonos TV device might work, including one very disturbing detail: it might lack a physical remote control.
The patent application, which goes into exhaustive detail describing the Sonos ecosystem as a whole, places special emphasis on the role of smartphones as a way we would interact with the as-yet-unreleased Sonos TV streaming device. And yes, the app actually says Sonos TV.
A new version of the Sonos app (or possibly a separate Sonos TV app) will be used to set up and control a Sonos TV. It will include access to streaming apps and a host of related features such as social sharing with friends and the ability to deep dive into connected media such as music and games. Like many existing media streamers (Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, etc.), the app will include a pop-up interface for navigation and voice control (via your phone or other compatible device equipped with a microphone). But unlike those other devices, the Sonos app doesn’t mention the existence or use of a dedicated physical remote.
We’ve reached out to Sonos for comment. Not surprisingly, this is the statement we received via email: “We’re in a constant state of invention at Sonos, building on the 3,000+ patents we hold to date. You’ll continue to see us deliver new inventions, some in categories we’re in, some in categories we might foresee entering in the future. We do not share details of our patents or future roadmap.
That’s also exactly what Rotgers was told when he asked.
An understandable choice
A streaming device without its own remote is not a new idea. The original Google Chromecast was 100% dependent on phones to do its job (although it was never intended to actively control what you see on the TV). Google retired the concept after the Chromecast Ultra, moving to the remote-equipped Chromecast with Google TV as the current vision of what a full-fledged streaming device should look like.
You can partially understand why Sonos might want a Sonos TV without a remote. Until now, the company’s entire ecosystem of wireless multiroom audio products has been designed to work through the Sonos app — either from a smartphone, tablet or computer. Third parties have created Sonos-compatible remotes like Ikea’s Symfonisk Music Remote, but Sonos itself has stuck firmly to its no-remote philosophy (which also keeps costs down).
There’s also a strong argument that a physical remote for wireless speakers has limited value. The speakers themselves have integrated physical controls for the most important functions (volume and playback). And more and more have voice support, so you don’t even need to stand next to the speakers.
Also, a simple remote without a screen won’t give you access to the full range of audio streaming options that Sonos is known for. You really need an app for that.
Purely hypothetical
Based on Sonos’ patent application, a Sonos TV would similarly be packed with features that would benefit from a smartphone-based control app — especially user-specific features like friend networks and content recommendations . But no matter how sophisticated the Sonos TV experience gets, we’re still going to want a physical remote.
If your phone battery dies, is it okay to wait for it to recharge before watching TV? If a member of your family wants to control the TV but their phone is in another room, will they have to go get it or will you give them your phone? If your phone locks automatically, would you mind going through your unlock sequence (even if it’s as quick as facial recognition) every time you just want to pause your show? And what about muting or changing the sound? And when the inevitable happens and the Sonos TV app just won’t launch or crashes every time you try to switch shows, will you be waiting for a patch to get your daily fix of a favorite show?
This is all purely hypothetical at the moment. Patent applications are not a description of what will be – they are a description of what is could be And as often as not, patent-based products arrive in stores with a very different set of features or designs than what’s described in the documentation. After all, a good patent not only protects a company’s short-term products, but also acts as a defense against those who may wish to create competing products in the years to come.
So while I’m not thrilled at the prospect of needing a phone to control a Sonos TV, I’m not going to lose sleep over it either. Sonos prides itself on providing easy and simple ways for its customers to enjoy music in their homes. The Sonos app remains the best way to find and play music from multiple sources on multiple speakers, and the speakers themselves earn plenty of praise for their thoughtful design.
To me, this means that the company is not going to turn a blind eye to the many benefits that come with a dedicated remote control. Sonos may decide not to make one itself, but at the very least it will likely provide third parties with a way to do so. And if one of these third-party remotes turns out to be popular? Sonos can always change its tune.
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