Sonos sets its sights on new sonic horizons with the Era 100 and Era 300 smart speakers
The new Sonos Era speakers expand the company’s family of high-end streaming devices, as well as introducing Dolby Atmos and decreasing its carbon footprint
California streaming specialist Sonos has announced two new members of its burgeoning family of speakers. The Sonos Era 300 and Era 100 usher in a new age of spatial sound to the company’s legions of fans.
Founded in 2002, Sonos has become shorthand for multi-room audio systems – you can link up to 32 of its devices together – but has also branched out into compact, portable systems that either stand alone or work in stereo pairs. Era 100 and 300 follow this pattern.
Era 100 is essentially an update of the classic Sonos One, the company’s best-selling device, whereas the Era 300 brings Dolby Atmos to the table, making it a perfect companion for a soundbar in a home cinema set-up, as well as something you can happily move from room to room.
The latter is facilitated by the inbuilt microphone array that will customise the output depending on the surrounding space. Sonos’ ‘Trueplay’ tech – available on both new devices – is accessed via the accompanying app.
The Era 300 manages to squeeze six drivers into its geometric, hourglass-like form, with a nipped-in central section designed to help better seed the sound around your room. The company has ramped up its sustainability goals as well, not just minimising the (recycled) packaging but also ensuring that Era models contain as much post-consumer recycled plastic as possible and are fully accessible and serviceable.
Both speakers will hit the market later in March 2023, when we’ll give them a listen.
Sonos Era 300, £449, Sonos Era 100 £249, sonos.com
Wallpaper* Newsletter + Free Download
For a free digital copy of August Wallpaper*, celebrating Creative America, sign up today to receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories
Jonathan Bell has written for Wallpaper* magazine since 1999, covering everything from architecture and transport design to books, tech and graphic design. He is now the magazine’s Transport and Technology Editor. Jonathan has written and edited 15 books, including Concept Car Design, 21st Century House, and The New Modern House. He is also the host of Wallpaper’s first podcast.
-
‘Hedonistic and avant-garde’: Rabanne’s Julian Dossena on the legacy of the chainmail 1969 bag
Paco Rabanne’s 1969 chainmail handbag encapsulates the late designer’s futuristic, space-age style. Current creative director Julien Dossena tells Wallpaper* about the bag’s particular pleasures
By Jack Moss Published
-
Postcard from Paris: Olympic fever takes over the streets
On the eve of the opening ceremony of Paris 2024, our correspondent shares her views from the streets of the capital about how the event is impacting the urban landscape.
By Minako Norimatsu Published
-
The Mercury Prize nominees for 2024 have been revealed
Charli XCX, The Last Dinner Party and Beth Gibbons are amongst this year's nominees
By Charlotte Gunn Published
-
The new HMD Skyline is a repairable smartphone that won’t rule your life
Human Mobile Devices has pulled out all the stops to ensure its flagship HMD Skyline can not only be easily repaired, but helps divert you from doom-scrolling
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Analogue Pocket Aluminum Editions: the cult video gaming console shows its new metal
The strictly limited-edition Analogue Pocket Aluminum Editions bring high-quality materials to Analogue’s elegant combination of hardware and software design
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Moog’s mood-altering Labyrinth and five more new synthesizers and sound tools
Explore soundscapes and ambient realms with these new synthesizers and other desktop composition tools for shaping all forms of audio
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Radio alarm clocks round-up: wake up to these clever bedside companions
Our selection of the best new radio alarm clocks, from smart speakers to compact DAB boxes and more
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
CMF by Nothing launches its first phone, and an update of its talented smartwatch
The new CMF Phone 1 is joined by next-generation versions of its CMF Buds Pro 2 and the excellent CMF Watch Pro 2
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
The latest portable tech for boosting productivity out on the road
Nine new gadgets for agile workers to get out and about with, from pocket projectors to slimline keyboards, charge blocks and more
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
New Light Phone III is all retro-simplicity to soothe your over-laden mind
The Light Phone III – a smart device for those disaffected by data collection and endless diversions – is designed to let you get back to real life
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Honor Magic6 RSR is a bold new entrant into the premium smartphone market
After a couple of weeks with the Porsche Design Honor Magic6 RSR in hand, we report back on the ins and outs of this new high-end device
By Jonathan Bell Published