Main points
- Fans, myself included, are hoping for meaningful tweaks to the portability issue, such as improved Bluetooth connectivity on the Sonos Roam 2.
- The original top panel with prominent touch keys may be replaced by touch-sensitive top panel keys.
- A new app for Sonos portable speakers is expected to launch, raising questions about a rumored launch of headphones at the same time.
If I had a list for my beach bag last summer, my Sonos Roam portable speaker would be on it every time. It’s the perfect fit that holds all my summer memories: smaller than my water bottle, triangular in shape, lightweight at less than a pound, durable, dustproof and waterproof. What is expected is that Sonos will release the follow-up to its most feature-rich speaker, the Sonos Roam 2, in June this year.
sonos roaming
It pairs with your current Sonos setup, or you can take it with you wherever you go.
The Roam 2 is expected to support all the usual Sonos smart products like Bluetooth and AirPlay 2, but I can’t help but wonder what the biggest update to Sonos’ smallest portable speaker is? Aside from improved sound, which is a fairly obvious wish list item with every iteration, it’s my hope for the Sonos Roam 2 this summer.
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1 Trouble-free Bluetooth connection
Sonos reportedly tweaks Roam 2 hardware
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Besides being a great addition to a Sonos home speaker system, the fun thing about the Roam is that you can roam with it, and it even made our list of the best portable speakers you can buy. You can easily transfer it from the downstairs shower room to the kitchen or outdoor patio BBQ area. However, when using the Roam at home, as a great “everywhere” speaker, you can’t stray too far from your home Wi-Fi as it tends to drop out.
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For some, switching between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in the home may seem far from seamless. By rearranging the Sonos Roam 2 hardware, Bluetooth issues will hopefully be resolved, including the frustrating task of pairing the Sonos Roam to your iPhone or iPod when you get home.
2 Streamlined control panel
Touch-sensitive top keys expected to be reintroduced
According to Mark Gurman in Bloomberg’s recent Power On newsletter, the protruding touch keys on the top panel may disappear to provide the same features we’ve seen on the portable Sonos Move 2 and other parts of the Sonos system, such as the bookshelf E100 speakers and E300 spatial audio. Speakers. The reason the buttons protruded on the original Sonos Roam was to avoid accidental presses. However, with the planned decision to move to a flat touchscreen, this concern may be addressed.
3 App-first features
This could be the first one controlled by a new app
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Currently, Roam is supported by the Sonos S2 app for iOS or Android. However, if Sonos’ 2024 product roadmap goes as planned, a new app tailored specifically for Sonos portable speakers will launch in June. So far, the app is expected to support two devices, including the Roam 2 and Sonos’ long-awaited high-end headphones. Many audiophiles expect the brand’s first headphones to launch alongside the Roam 2, positioned as a competitor to Apple’s AirPods Max.
4 Extend battery life
It may be considered that the original battery becomes bricked.
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Like most first-generation smart tech products, the original Sonos Roam’s battery life had room for improvement, but it wasn’t exactly a leader in battery life. Many fans, myself included, were tired of the Roam’s battery dying completely, which would occur suddenly after about 13 months, rendering the device completely unusable. Since the Sonos Roam’s battery is a sealed unit, unlike the Sonos Move/Move 2, Sonos doesn’t sell the battery separately. The only option is to replace the battery under warranty. Judging from the upgrades Sonos made when updating the Move to Move 2, we’ll likely get an upgrade to this button in the second generation.
On average, the original Roam lasted about 9 to 10 hours on a charge after the S2 app update, which is great for a speaker, but an expanded battery, while not required, is always welcome.
5 Standard wireless charger
We want charging with a magnetic wireless charger to be as easy as snapping
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No matter it’s windy or raining, I always go out in a hurry. My portable Roam carries my bag, water bottle, keys, phone, and headphones, and I’ll likely leave it at home after unplugging it from a standard USB-C charger. Last summer, I spent $49 on a separate wireless charger accessory for my Sonos Roam for these on-the-go moments.
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Additionally, it expands the speaker’s form factor and enables charging without increasing the floor space. With a Qi-compatible wireless charger, we expect the Sonos Roam 2 to be untethered from the get-go.
6 Phone call function
Since most portable speakers support calling, the Sonos Roam 2 could follow the category leader
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The Roam has an excellent built-in microphone, and one might wonder why the speaker doesn’t allow it to pick up incoming calls. The microphone’s current functionality is to automatically TruePlay and adjust the speaker’s audio output accordingly to suit the surrounding environment. It also allows users to talk to its built-in voice control assistant to adjust things like volume. Since most portable speakers with Bluetooth and built-in microphones can make phone calls, perhaps an upgrade could follow the category leader.
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Sonos Roam supports voice control, alarms, and more (if you know how to set them up). That’s it.
Following the launch of Sonos Roam 2, we’re also looking forward to updates later this year to some of the other most popular products in the Sonos portfolio, such as the Arc soundbar, Sonos Sub Mini and Sonos Era 100 speakers. In addition, following the launch of Sonos headphones, Sonos will also launch a new TV set-top box.
7 Budget-friendly price tag
Based on previous brand upgrades, the Sonos Roam 2 should be in range
The original Sonos Roam was priced at $169, which was quite expensive compared to the price/performance ratio. But with relatively subtle hardware upgrades, we don’t expect the Sonos Roam 2 to move too far out of the original’s price range. While we want it to be a great performing speaker, it should still have some sort of budget-friendly tag.
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FAQ
Q: Can I create stereo sound with my 1st and 2nd generation Roam speakers?
You won’t be able to stereo pair them, but you can combine the Roam 1 with the new Roam 2. This means both are playing the same content (mono signal mixed left and right) at the same time. This will allow you to get detailed stereo separation and a larger soundstage. However, roaming stereo pairs cannot be used as surround speakers as part of a Sonos system.
Q: What is the difference between Sonos Move 2 and Sonos Roam 2?
The Sonos Move 2 and Sonos Roam 2 are portable smart speakers that work with the Sonos wireless home sound system. The Move 2 is larger, has more powerful sound, and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, while the Roam 2 is better suited for on-the-go listening. Both speakers offer: AirPlay 2 compatibility for streaming audio from Apple devices, voice control with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, Bluetooth connectivity in addition to Wi-Fi for portability, location-based playback on both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Automatically switches between and features a durable, weather-resistant design for play anytime, anywhere.
Q: Does Sonos Roam 2 work with the latest mesh Wi-Fi?
Yes, all Sonos speakers work with any Wi-Fi.