Sonos’ new operating system update, Sonos 27, is set to introduce several new features to the company’s audio lineup. In addition to new app optimizations and AI features, the new update marks the debut of ‘Portable Surrounds,’ which the company says allows the Sonos Move 2 and Sonos Play portable speakers function as rear speakers in a surround-sound setup.
“Sonos Positioning Technology uses high-frequency sound to sense a speaker’s location and change its role within the system based on that,” explains Sonos. “This enables the new portable surrounds feature, which lets Move 2 or Sonos Play become rear surrounds the instant they’re moved into position.”
Prior to this update, users would need to purchase a dedicated rear speaker from the company’s offerings, such as the Sonos Era. Sonos 27 changes that by allowing portable speakers to be moved to be used as rear speakers when desired.
“Pair two Sonos Plays or Move 2s with a compatible soundbar. When the credits roll, take them to the patio, the kitchen, or wherever. Bring them back behind the sofa and they know what to do,” says Sonos.
The Portable Surrounds feature is only compatible with Sonos S2 speakers, and requires a Sonos Arc, Arc Ultra, Beam Gen 2, or Beam Ultra.
