For me, the biggest drawback from buying an Apple TV is the fact that my TV provider still doesn’t have an app for it, despite being announced back in 2020-2021.
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Sonos Plans to Launch Apple TV-Like Streaming Box
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Before the Sonos headphones came out I would have thought that the company would never release something that ads nothing new to the space apart from being a more expensive version of something with a Sonos badge on top..
And I was wrong… and now they’re going to do the same thing with a set top box and it will be completely underwhelming and everyone will ask “but why?”
And that is Sonos in a nutshell these last few years. A company where every release you have to ask “but why?”
No company can survive this stuff.. surely?
And I was wrong… and now they’re going to do the same thing with a set top box and it will be completely underwhelming and everyone will ask “but why?”
And that is Sonos in a nutshell these last few years. A company where every release you have to ask “but why?”
No company can survive this stuff.. surely?
So making an additional box for functionality that probably should have been builtin already? 
No Thanks.
Sold all my Sonos stuff a few months ago and won't be going back ever.
Very happy with my Wiimamp and some proper speakers.
Sold all my Sonos stuff a few months ago and won't be going back ever.
Very happy with my Wiimamp and some proper speakers.
Why do I feel this company will die soon? Stick to speakers. That was there usp.
Having opened up this thread and read through the replies, I'd just like to say thank you for having the most sensible/rational take in this thread so far.
Not in this case. Where is the competition. Sonos has shown their customers where their priority is and it's not with customers.
Another Sonos article that reads like an Ad. The Verge article I mean
Sonos is developing a high-end streaming set-top box that's expected to launch this year, reports The Verge. While any set-top box will compete with the Apple TV, Sonos plans to price its upcoming device at $200 to $400, which would make it notably more expensive than the Apple TV.
According to The Verge, the hardware is a nondescript black box that's slightly thicker than a deck of cards, with an included remote control. It'll run a version of Android, but Sonos has developed a "beautiful" interface.
The set-top box will offer content from Netflix, Max, Disney Plus, and other streaming services in a unified software experience that supports universal search. Sonos is said to be aiming to reduce the fragmentation of the streaming ecosystem, and the set-top box will be equipped with Sonos Voice Control. Apple has tried to do something similar, and Siri is able to provide content suggestions from a range of services.
Sonos' set-top box will double as an HDMI switch and it has HDMI ports with passthrough functionality. Users will be able to plug in gaming consoles, soundbars, and other devices. The device solves a latency problem that has long annoyed Sonos, and it will prevent TVs from experiencing audio sync delays with Sonos-branded soundbars.
For Sonos users who have Sonos speakers but not a soundbar, the set-top box will allow for the configuration of a surround sound system with Sonos devices. It will also support Wi-Fi 7 and offer gigabit ethernet.
Sonos struggled in 2024 after a disastrous app launch that ultimately led to Sonos CEO Patrick Spence stepping down, so the company needs a win in 2025 to restore its reputation. Sonos did not have much luck with its Sonos Ace headphones that came out around the time the app was refreshed, but the Arc Ultra Soundbar that launched late last year received better reviews.
Article Link: Sonos Plans to Launch Apple TV-Like Streaming Box
Surprise surprise it’s Chris Welch again.. a known paid-for Sonos shill. I wouldn’t trust anything they have to say about this. Sounds like a disastrous product in the making and may be the final death knell for Sonos.
Just buy them already Apple!
At the rumoured price point, not sure whether there will be many customers. With a large number of smart TVs in the market, a streaming box is even less required. Also expecting the next Apple TV to be priced even less than the current model. Sonos should reconsider their launch plans.
Really hoping that this means audiophiles will get full passthrough and Dolby Atmos full bandwidth which seem to be the only things which I have seen them asking for to make the tv the perfect streaming box.
Hopefully Apple picks up their game on support and useful features too. If I remember correctly Apple doesn’t have universal search with Netflix, maybe this could change.
Hopefully Apple picks up their game on support and useful features too. If I remember correctly Apple doesn’t have universal search with Netflix, maybe this could change.
I had a working 4K TV that was connected to a current model ATV. It worked well. But then last week we decided to get a larger TV. The new TV had built-in streaming and even an app store. We are not going to use the ATV. There is no need. The new TV even has Apple TV built-in.
I don't think I'm alone. The trend is to put this function into the TV itself. In time ATV should go away.
I don't think I'm alone. The trend is to put this function into the TV itself. In time ATV should go away.
This may be the replacement Nvidia Shield owners have been looking for. If it does all the same audio features and works as well as a Plex server. It’s a shame the only updated more premium streaming boxes have been Apple or top end Amazon Fire TV’s. But I know people use the Shield because of the audio pass through it does but it’s definitely showing its age these days with no replacement model in sight, Nvidia too busy making the billions on AI chips.
EDIT: I use an Apple TV box, it’s great, but it doesn’t have any apps that allow me to watch live Feeeview TV here in the UK. I have to relive on the individual apps for BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and each one with its own logging requirements. On Android their are a choice of very good apps that have most of those channels and all the other ones in one user interface. One or two of the same alls did appear on Apple TV but were broken. Just an FYI to those slating Android, Apple isn’t the be all and end all with streaming boxes. If I wanted audio pass through I wouldn’t touch an Apple TV for instance.
EDIT: I use an Apple TV box, it’s great, but it doesn’t have any apps that allow me to watch live Feeeview TV here in the UK. I have to relive on the individual apps for BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and each one with its own logging requirements. On Android their are a choice of very good apps that have most of those channels and all the other ones in one user interface. One or two of the same alls did appear on Apple TV but were broken. Just an FYI to those slating Android, Apple isn’t the be all and end all with streaming boxes. If I wanted audio pass through I wouldn’t touch an Apple TV for instance.
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Will anyone believe them after the recent app debacle? The idea of a Sonos interface over Android gives me nightmares quite frankly. Android TV is pretty sucky, with Google ads stuck at the top. The one built into TVs may as well not be there.
If people want to consider a small(ish) box over an Apple TV to watch streaming on they’d be better off buying an Xbox Series S. Great interface, all the apps, fantastic games.
If people want to consider a small(ish) box over an Apple TV to watch streaming on they’d be better off buying an Xbox Series S. Great interface, all the apps, fantastic games.
I wouldn’t be so quick to ditch the Apple TV if I were you. The processors in TVs are lousy, and all it will take is another Google update messing with the OS to bork it permanently. The Apple TV is by far the best device Apple actually sell, switch a no nonsense interface and a pretty low price. I’ve never had an issue with mine at all.
I really don't understand why Netflix so steadfastly refuse to integrate with Apple TV's TV app.
Literally all the other providers do.
It kindof ruins the experience.
Whereas Netflix, I believe, originally wanted to not integrate to force users into their app to discover content... they seem to not have these qualms on other platforms such as the Fire Stick where their content is discoverable there... Sky stream in the UK also integrates, as does seemingly this Sonos box.
Its looking ever more conspicuous and their original rationale seems to have all but disappeared.
Literally all the other providers do.
It kindof ruins the experience.
Whereas Netflix, I believe, originally wanted to not integrate to force users into their app to discover content... they seem to not have these qualms on other platforms such as the Fire Stick where their content is discoverable there... Sky stream in the UK also integrates, as does seemingly this Sonos box.
Its looking ever more conspicuous and their original rationale seems to have all but disappeared.
Most people seem to have only read half the article before coming to comment...
As a streaming box, yes this is vastly overpriced and redundant. However, when you consider the other features it has it is actually looking like a good deal for some people.
1) It sounds like this will have HD Fury Arcana functionality (e.g. a way to extract audio from HDMI so you don't have to rely on ARC/eARC and bypass synchronisation and (potentially) DTS compatibility issues. An HD Fury Arcana (with HDMI 2.1/VRR support etc) is $349.
2) It will also act as an HDMI splitter (presumably HDMI 2.1 as a minimum at this point). An HD Fury Arcana with built in HDMI switch is $549.
3) It sounds like you will be able to use Sonos Speakers beyond the soundbat systems to your TV with this box. That opens up being able to use a couple of Sonos Ones to give a nice wide stereo sound, or perhaps using 4 Era 300 speakers (and sub) and gaining a full Atmos system similar to the Sony HT-A9 system, again with the ability to realise a physically wide soundstage - remember, the left speaker, right speaker and your seating position should form an equalateral triangle for optimum listening)
I'm not saying this is a must-buy item, or that it will replace the Apple TV for people here, but I actually think it offers quite a lot of value it it has the functionality you would like.
I also think Apple is missing a trick by not allowing the Apple TV to support 4-5 Homepods to enable an Atmos setup.
As a streaming box, yes this is vastly overpriced and redundant. However, when you consider the other features it has it is actually looking like a good deal for some people.
1) It sounds like this will have HD Fury Arcana functionality (e.g. a way to extract audio from HDMI so you don't have to rely on ARC/eARC and bypass synchronisation and (potentially) DTS compatibility issues. An HD Fury Arcana (with HDMI 2.1/VRR support etc) is $349.
2) It will also act as an HDMI splitter (presumably HDMI 2.1 as a minimum at this point). An HD Fury Arcana with built in HDMI switch is $549.
3) It sounds like you will be able to use Sonos Speakers beyond the soundbat systems to your TV with this box. That opens up being able to use a couple of Sonos Ones to give a nice wide stereo sound, or perhaps using 4 Era 300 speakers (and sub) and gaining a full Atmos system similar to the Sony HT-A9 system, again with the ability to realise a physically wide soundstage - remember, the left speaker, right speaker and your seating position should form an equalateral triangle for optimum listening)
I'm not saying this is a must-buy item, or that it will replace the Apple TV for people here, but I actually think it offers quite a lot of value it it has the functionality you would like.
I also think Apple is missing a trick by not allowing the Apple TV to support 4-5 Homepods to enable an Atmos setup.
I am a bit doubtful of the full validity of this rumor. Especially the $400 price tag. But I would jump on a set top box at a fair price just to get away from the pita that is Apple TV+. I love my Sonos gear and we’ll be buying more for our new house. Most of the haters here probably don’t even have any Sonos gear.