As expected, Sonos is out with app and firmware updates this week that do away with the Bridge requirement. Now smaller scale Sonos deployments in homes with solid WiFi can more simply network their speakers without physically connecting hardware to one’s router. Having said that, Sonos does suggest that folks with a Bridge already in play leave well enough alone and take advantage of the existing mesh network (despite the clutter). Not to mention folks with more than three rooms or running 3.1/5.1 theater sound still require a Bridge intermediary. And, perhaps ironically, as the Bridge is decommissioned (for some), a higher powered replacement in the Boost is announced.
Available later this year for $99, the BOOST applies over a decade of learning about the varying needs of our customers and offers enterprise-grade wireless capabilities to serve even the most challenging home WiFi environments. Look for the BOOST’s official launch in the coming months.
Speaking of new fall hardware… we’re still wondering what the Sonos Playbase is all about.