Following months of speculation and numerous leaks, Sonos has officially introduced the Sonos Move 2, a premium portable speaker that promises a significant upgrade over its predecessor. The company's latest offering boasts enhanced sound quality, a longer-lasting battery, and various refinements in design and features.
Sonos Move 2 main feature is undoubtedly its ability to provide stereo sound, a notable improvement over its predecessor, the original Move. This enhancement is achieved through the inclusion of two angled tweeters, in addition to a dedicated woofer. Each driver is powered by a class-D digital amplifier, resulting in a wider and more balanced soundstage. Sonos claims that users can expect "wide, spacious stereo sound, crisp vocals, and a deep, punchy bass."
The new Move 2 offers an impressive boost in battery life, providing users with up to 24 hours of playback on a single charge. This significant improvement over the previous model's 10-11 hours of battery life ensures extended listening sessions without the need for frequent recharging. Furthermore, Sonos has designed the Move 2 with a replaceable battery, enhancing its overall longevity.
The Move 2 comes equipped with robust connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 with AAC and SBC codecs, and support for Apple AirPlay 2. Users can seamlessly connect the speaker to their Wi-Fi network, granting access to the Sonos app's plethora of music streaming options, including popular services like Spotify and internet radio.
Moreover, the Move 2 can be seamlessly integrated into an existing Sonos ecosystem, enabling users to create a multi-room audio setup or pair two Move 2 speakers for stereo sound, provided they are connected to Wi-Fi when using Bluetooth for streaming.
While the Move 2 retains the substantial dimensions and 3kg weight of its predecessor, it introduces several refinements in design and controls. Inspired by Sonos's Era wireless speakers, the Move 2 features redesigned touch controls on its top surface, including a new volume slider. The buttons for power, Bluetooth pairing, and microphone control have also been updated on the rear of the speaker.
For those who prefer voice commands, the Sonos Move 2 features a far-field microphone array with advanced beamforming and multichannel echo cancellation, ensuring faster and more accurate voice control. While it supports Amazon Alexa and Sonos Voice Control, it's worth noting that Google Assistant is not included due to recent changes in Google's technical requirements for third-party devices.
It also includes an integrated USB-C port, which can be used for both charging and connecting external audio sources when paired with the Sonos Line-In Adapter (available separately). Moreover, the speaker can serve as a power bank, allowing users to charge their USB-C devices such as smartphones.
The Move 2 retains its predecessor's IP65-level protection, making it resistant to dust and low-pressure water jets. This durability ensures the speaker's suitability for outdoor use, although it is not designed for submersion in water.
The Sonos Move 2 is set to be available globally from September 20, 2023, with a retail price of $449, £449, or €499 in three distinct finishes: olive, black, and white. It promises to deliver an upgraded portable audio experience, combining stereo sound, extended battery life, and seamless connectivity while maintaining the durability and quality that Sonos is known for.
