Sonos is preparing to launch a new soundbar, codenamed Lasso, which promises to be a more advanced version of the existing Sonos Arc. According to reports, the Lasso will feature built-in Bluetooth, improved driver technology thanks to the acquisition of Mayht, and a possible price tag of $1,200. While the prospect of a new Sonos product usually generates excitement among fans, the company is currently grappling with a wave of negative sentiment. Earlier this year, Sonos implemented a major overhaul of its app, aiming to enhance user experience and music discoverability. However, the new design has been met with widespread dissatisfaction, with many users finding it less intuitive and missing critical features from the previous version. The rollout of the new app was plagued by issues, including the removal of functionalities like alarms, timers, access to personal libraries, and song queue management. These issues, coupled with reports of system unreliability, have left Sonos users feeling frustrated and disillusioned. Though Sonos has been working to address these concerns through updates, the damage may already be done. The app’s ongoing instability and persistent user complaints have created a significant obstacle for Sonos’s future products, particularly the Lasso. The company’s recent attempts to promote its new wireless headphones, the Sonos Ace, have been met with anger and disappointment from users who are demanding the company prioritize fixing its app before pushing new products. This backlash underscores the potential for a company to lose its customer base when it fails to deliver on its promises or ignores user feedback. Sonos’s situation is reminiscent of Microsoft’s experience with the Xbox One, where a poorly received decision regarding online connectivity and accessory requirements alienated a large segment of loyal gamers. While Sonos may not face the same level of urgency as Microsoft did with its gaming consoles, the company’s reliance on a strong ecosystem could be threatened by the ongoing app issues. Many Sonos users have invested heavily in the company’s products over the years, and switching to another brand could be costly and inconvenient. However, the Lasso’s success hinges on its ability to deliver a compelling audio experience that can outweigh the software frustrations. The soundbar market is competitive, and customers are increasingly willing to explore alternative options if their current brand fails to meet their expectations. Sonos’s primary focus should be on restoring user trust by resolving the app’s lingering bugs and ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for its loyal customers. Until then, the Lasso may struggle to gain traction, even with its impressive technological advancements.
Sonos’s New Soundbar Faces an Uphill Battle Amidst App Woes
