Sonos releases Sonos 27 update with AI integration and surround features

Sonos has begun distributing the Sonos 27 software update, a free upgrade for devices compatible with Sonos S2. The update introduces several advanced features, including integration with external artificial intelligence services.

Through the use of the Model Context Protocol (MCP), an open standard, the Sonos 27mcp server allows users to control audio playback directly through ChatGPT and Claude interfaces. While currently in early access, the company is also developing Sonos 27voice, a proprietary assistant for music discovery and system control, and plans to launch Sonos Custom Agents by 2027.

Hardware functionality is also expanding. Users can now utilize two Move 2 or two Sonos Play speakers as rear surround channels for systems including Arc Ultra, Arc, Beam Ultra, or Beam Gen 2. This is facilitated by Sonos Positioning Technology, which uses high-frequency audio signals to automatically detect device placement. Additionally, the update enables direct headphone linking with Sonos Ace Ultra, allowing audio transfer between speakers and headphones without requiring a nearby phone.