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Sonos Abandons Development of Pinewood Android TV Streaming Box

Sonos has made the significant decision to cancel its Pinewood, an ambitious Android TV streaming box that was anticipated to retail for around $400. This development comes as part of the company’s efforts to pivot amidst a challenging year marked by operational setbacks.

This streaming device, which had been expected to launch in 2025, was already deep into its development phase, with reports indicating that beta testing had been ongoing for several months. However, concerns over the viability and competitiveness of the Pinewood led to its eventual cancellation.

Sources, including The Verge, reveal that Sonos communicated this decision to its employees during an all-hands meeting, emphasizing the challenges ahead. The cancellation is a significant financial decision, as substantial resources had already been invested in the project.

One of the major factors influencing the cancellation appears to be the fierce competition in the streaming market, which is already saturated with offerings from established players. Internally, there were concerns that the Pinewood would struggle to distinguish itself, similar to issues faced with the company’s previous product, the Sonos Ace headphones.

Given these circumstances, Sonos plans to shift its focus back to enhancing its software ecosystem and recovering from the challenges that have recently beset the company. By redirecting efforts towards improving user experience, Sonos aims to solidify its standing in the audio industry and restore its reputation while navigating the complexities of the current market landscape.

Source
www.androidauthority.com