What Happened
Sonos has launched an early access testing phase for its new voice assistant, named Sonos 27voice. According to Engadget, the early access period began on November 6, following an update rolling out to users. The company is offering limited sign-ups for the testing phase, targeting customers based in the United States to gather feedback before a full release planned for 2027.
Features and Capabilities
According to Sonos support documentation, Sonos 27voice is a next-generation voice assistant built to handle music curation and general system management. Users can activate the assistant by using the wake word "Hey Sonos." While listening, the white status light on the product glows brighter, playing audio lowers in volume, and a confirmation tone plays once the request is understood.
Unlike previous iterations, Sonos 27voice understands and responds to natural language requests, allowing users to speak conversationally. Capabilities include:
- Controlling music playback, starting tracks, and moving music across rooms.
- Grouping and ungrouping speakers and rooms.
- Handling non-music queries such as setting timers, checking the weather forecast, and interacting with supported smart home products.
- Answering general knowledge questions and processing vague or complex requests, such as asking for a specific album based on cover artwork or a description.
Content services like Apple Music and Spotify are supported by the assistant, and users can set a default favorite service.
Compatibility and Setup
Sonos 27voice is available for products equipped with a microphone and running on Sonos' S2 platform, though access is currently restricted to users in the United States speaking US-English. When the early access period concludes, the assistant will roll out globally.
Regarding coexistence with other assistants, users can activate Sonos 27voice and Amazon Alexa on the same speaker. However, Sonos 27voice and Google Assistant cannot be activated on the exact same speaker, though Google Assistant can still be used on a separate speaker within the same system. Additionally, Sonos 27voice and the older Sonos Voice Control apply system-wide and cannot both be installed on a single system simultaneously, though users can upgrade or downgrade between the two.
To join early access, eligible customers must submit a request through a tile in the Sonos app settings. Acceptance is handled on a first-come, first-served basis and is not guaranteed.
Additional Software Updates
Alongside the groundwork for the voice assistant, the Sonos 27.3 update brings several other new features and improvements for iOS and Android users, including:
- Presets: A feature that lets users save groupings of music and playback settings—such as a specific room and volume level—to start playback instantly with a single tap.
- System Health: Available in the iOS version of the app to provide quick insight into connection statuses and Wi-Fi networks for individual speakers.
- Interface Tweaks: Options to reorder favorites in the Featured section, swipe to skip tracks on the Now Playing or mini player, rearrange connected services, and experience more consistent Spotify volume levels.