Sonos is hiring people for a new 'Home Theater OS' project that may involve apps or experiences directly on the TV, according to a report by Protocol.
A Sonos operating system?
Sonos sells a range of soundbars and smart speakers that must be controlled with a standard TV remote, a smartphone/tablet or voice commands. It would appear that the company has grander ambitions for TV integration.
Protocol's report reveals that Sonos has an internal project to develop some form of home theatre operating system.
Sonos appears to be getting ready to play a bigger role on the TV: The company is hiring multiple staffers for a new “Home Theater OS” project, with job descriptions hinting at plans to run apps or experiences directly on the TV. This comes after the company considered various ways to play a bigger role in TV streaming in recent years, according to multiple sources who spoke to Protocol on the condition of anonymity.
The exact details remain unclear but job listings may provide hints. Sonos is seeking a UX Lead for "Next Generation Home Theater Experience" and a manager to develop an "OS & Media Platform roadmap".
Sonos soundbars connect to TVs over HDMI and must be controlled with the TV's remote control
The report notes that Sonos in the past has explored a concept to turn soundbars into media players capable of running TV apps, much like soundbars with built-in Roku or Android TV. The company has also talked to TV manufacturers about equipping TVs with Sonos speakers.
Sonos declined to comment.
Sonos launched the Arc soundbar in mid-2020, Beam (Gen 2) soundbar in late 2021, and is rumored to launch a Sub Mini soon.
- Source: Protocol
