Sonos First Ever Headphones Are Too Expensive For What They Offer
How does the audio swap feature work on the Sonos Ace?
The audio swap feature on the Sonos Ace allows users to instantly transfer sound from a compatible Sonos soundbar to the headphones and vice versa. This feature is particularly useful when watching TV or movies late at night or when playing video games, as it allows the user to switch from speaker to headphones without disturbing others.
To set up the TV Audio Swap feature, the Sonos Ace must first be set up in the Sonos app and connected to an iOS device2. Users can then go to the Settings menu, select their Sonos Ace in the Headphones section, and under Home Theater, select Add TV Audio Swap2. They can then select the home theater speaker they would like to use and follow the instructions in the app to complete the setup process2.
Once set up, users can swap TV audio by long-pressing the Content Key on the right ear cup. In the Sonos app, they can also swap audio from the Sonos Ace's info screen by selecting the Swap button to play TV audio through the headphones. The audio swap feature is currently only available to Ace buyers who also own an iPhone or iPad, and compatibility with Android devices is expected to be added soon.
What is the main feature of the Sonos Ace?
The main feature of the Sonos Ace is its "TV Audio Swap" function, which allows users to seamlessly transfer audio from a Sonos Arc soundbar to the headphones with just a press of a button3. This feature is particularly useful for private listening experiences, such as watching movies or TV shows late at night without disturbing others in the household. The Sonos Ace also offers spatial audio support with head tracking for an immersive listening experience. Additionally, the headphones are equipped with active noise cancellation, a 30-hour battery life, and Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity with aptX Lossless support.
What has been the consumer response to the introduction of the audio swap feature?
The consumer response to the introduction of the audio swap feature on Sonos Ace headphones has been largely positive. The feature allows users to switch audio between their headphones and a Sonos soundbar with just a press of a button, providing a seamless transition between private listening and a more immersive home theater experience. This functionality is particularly appealing to users who want to enjoy their favorite content without disturbing others in their household.
Additionally, the audio swap feature on YouTube has been well-received, as it allows content creators to reach new audiences and monetize their videos more effectively25. By providing the ability to add audio tracks in different languages or replace the audio track in a video with a new one, the feature opens up new opportunities for growth and revenue generation through ads and sponsorships245.
However, it is important to note that the Sonos Ace headphones are priced at $450, which may limit their appeal to a more niche market of audiophiles and tech enthusiasts. The soundbar compatibility is currently restricted to the Sonos Arc, but the company has promised future compatibility with the first- and second-generation Beam and the Ray.
Overall, the audio swap feature is seen as a promising innovation that enhances the user experience for both content consumers and creators. As more people become aware of this feature and its capabilities, it is likely that it will continue to garner positive responses from the market.