Tag: Sonos

  • Sonos Discontinues Android Streaming Device Support

    Sonos Discontinues Android Streaming Device Support

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sonos has canceled the release of its streaming device, codenamed Pinewood, which was in advanced development and had undergone beta testing.
    2. The device was expected to be priced between $200 and $400 and designed to run on Android with features like universal search and Wi-Fi 7.
    3. The team working on the streaming device will be reassigned to other projects following the cancellation.
    4. With the device’s cancellation, Sonos currently has no significant product launches planned for this year, including updates on new premium headphones.
    5. 2023 has seen several changes at Sonos, including the resignation of the CEO, layoffs of over 200 staff, and departures of key executives.

    There have been news about Sonos working on a streaming device. However, new information has come to light that indicates Sonos has decided to cancel the release of this device, which was expected to be the first in a new line of hardware, similar to the Ace headphones.

    Cancellation Announcement

    The decision to scrap the device, known by the codename Pinewood, was shared during a company-wide meeting. As per a report from The Verge, it was quite advanced in development and had undergone several months of beta testing. Now, the team that was working on the streaming device will be moved to other projects.

    Pricing and Features

    This streaming device was estimated to cost between $200 and $400. It was designed to run on Android and would have integrated content from multiple platforms into a single interface. Additionally, it was expected to support universal search, Wi-Fi 7, and include an ethernet port.

    Future Prospects

    With the cancellation of this streaming device, which was slated for a January 2025 launch, Sonos appears to lack any significant product launches planned for this year. There’s also been no updates regarding the speculated new premium headphones.

    This cancellation adds to a series of significant events at Sonos in 2023. The CEO, Patrick Spence, stepped down in early January and was succeeded by interim CEO Tom Conrad. Shortly after, it was revealed that Deirdre Findlay, the chief commercial officer, intended to leave the company. In early February, Sonos also laid off over 200 staff members and announced that their marketing officer, Jordan Saxemard, would also be leaving.

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  • Sonos Announces Layoffs of 200 Employees During Restructuring

    Sonos Announces Layoffs of 200 Employees During Restructuring

    Founded in 2002, Sonos employed over 1,700 people by the year 2024. Unfortunately, the past few years have been filled with numerous challenges due to the global economic downturn, alongside various controversies related to software and product support. As a result, the company is reorganizing its Product division into distinct teams focusing on hardware, software, design, quality, and operations. Regrettably, this restructuring will also lead to job cuts.

    Job Cuts and Severance Packages

    In a public letter from interim CEO Thomas Conrad, it was noted that “about 200 positions” will be eliminated, with impacted employees receiving a severance package that reflects their time with Sonos. Moreover, their RSUs will keep vesting until the vest date on February 15, and those on the quarterly bonus scheme will get a Q1 bonus if it is achieved. US workers facing layoffs will maintain their healthcare coverage throughout the severance period.

    Improving Project Prioritization

    According to the letter, Sonos is striving to enhance project prioritization. Thomas Conrad feels that the company’s recent tendency to commit to too many projects requires adjustment. Meanwhile, for those keen on Sonos products, they can check out Amazon to snag the Era 100 Alexa-enabled smart speaker at $199, reduced from its original price of $249 due to a limited-time 20% discount. This speaker comes in both black and white, with both options currently on sale.

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  • Sonos CEO Resigns After Tough 2024; Interim CEO Appointed

    Sonos CEO Resigns After Tough 2024; Interim CEO Appointed

    Patrick Spence, CEO of Sonos, has decided to resign effective immediately. His departure follows a challenging 2024, which was marked by the launch of a new companion app that was meant to be more user-friendly, quicker, and overall better, as stated by Spence. Regrettably, the app, which debuted in May 2024, missed several key features present in the previous version. Additionally, the company’s first headphones, the Sonos Ace, did not perform as well as anticipated.

    Official Announcement

    Sonos has confirmed Spence’s resignation in an official statement, noting that he will also resign from his position on the board. As the search for a new CEO begins, Tom Conrad, who has been an independent board member since 2017, will step in as Interim CEO. Conrad brings a wealth of experience, having previously worked as the Chief Product Officer for Quibi, Vice President of Product at Snap Inc., and Chief Technology Officer and VP of Product at Pandora.

    Transition Period

    As reported by The Verge, Spence is the only high-level executive departing. However, he will technically stay on with the company until the end of June to provide strategic advisory services. After this period, he will receive a severance package totaling $1,875,000.

    Future Plans

    Sonos has no intentions of reverting to the previous app, nor are there any plans to delay upcoming products, including a rumored streaming device. In a letter to employees, Conrad expressed his commitment to not only getting the company back on the right path but also expanding the Sonos platform.

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