Sonos is at it again, and this time the focus is on the highly awaited successor to its premium Arc soundbar. The new soundbar, codenamed ‘Lasso,’ promises to introduce some fascinating next-generation speaker technology to the table. Thanks to a recent leak from The Verge, we get a sneak peak at what to expect from this next release.
Sonos Arc 2 Launches with Huge AUDIO UPGRADES!
Image Credits: Tech Radar
At first appearance, the Lasso seems quite similar to its predecessor, the Sonos Arc. It maintains the elegant, elongated shape enclosed in black plastic that we’ve come to expect. The soundbar has a single HDMI port and an Ethernet port, allowing for both Wi-Fi and a more dependable wired internet connection.
However, the modest design changes suggest major advances behind the hood. One of the most notable new features is the inclusion of a Bluetooth button, indicating that the Lasso will allow Bluetooth music playback.
This is a first for Sonos soundbars and a welcome addition for consumers who prefer the ease of Bluetooth communication.
Another significant modification is the addition of a physical switch to enable or disable the built-in microphone. This feature provides an extra degree of privacy, allowing customers to be confident that the smart speaker isn’t listening in when it shouldn’t be.
Mayht Technology: Smaller Speakers, Bigger Sound
The true buzz around the Lasso revolves around its internal technology. According to The Verge, the Lasso will be the first Sonos speaker to utilize technology from Mayht Holding BV, which Sonos purchased in April 2022. This technology is supposed to be game-changing.
Mayht’s technology enables the construction of smaller speakers with the power and musical quality of much larger devices. Imagine hearing the powerful sound of a Sonos Five through a Sonos One-sized speaker. This development could change the way we think about speaker size and performance.
One of the most amazing features of Mayht’s technology is its ability to generate deep bass without the use of a separate subwoofer. Even mid-sized soundbars equipped with this technology can produce genuine bass down to about 30Hz.
This implies that the Lasso may provide a full, rich audio experience on its own, eliminating the need for an extra Sonos Sub. However, we will need to wait for official confirmation of this functionality.
Sonos Arc 2 – Pricing and Launch Details
Image Credits: Tech Radar
While the exact name of the Lasso is unknown, many suspect it will be called the Sonos Arc 2. Rumors claim that it will be priced around $1,200, which is higher than the original Arc’s pricing of $899. If this is true, we should expect similar pricing in other locations, most likely around £1,200 in the UK and AU$1,800 in Australia, based on Sonos’ previous pricing strategies and exchange rates.
The release date has yet to be determined. Some think that the Arc 2 will be available in 2024, however Sonos has yet to confirm this.
Sonos Arc 2 – What else to expect?
While we still don’t know much about the Lasso, what we do know paints a fascinating picture. Mayht’s technology integration has the potential to create a new standard for home audio by providing high-quality sound in a smaller package. Bluetooth compatibility and improved privacy controls are practical enhancements that consumers will certainly appreciate.
The possibility of a soundbar that produces deep, strong bass without the need for a subwoofer is particularly appealing. If Sonos can pull this off, it might simplify home audio setups and increase access to high-quality sound.
Conclusion
The Sonos Arc 2, or Lasso as it is currently known, is expected to be a major upgrade over its predecessor. With Mayht’s powerful audio technology, additional connectivity options, and a focus on privacy, it’s poised to provide a superior listening experience.
The excitement grows as we anticipate further details and an official release date. If leaks and speculations are to be believed, the Sonos Arc 2 might be a game changer in the soundbar market, providing incredible audio quality and versatility in a compact, user-friendly form.
Stay tuned for additional information as we move closer to the actual debut. Whether you’ve been a Sonos fan for a long time or are new to the brand, the Arc 2 soundbar promises to be worthwhile.
