SONOS

When the founders of Sonos came up with the first ideas for a wireless music system in 2002, the world looked very different technologically than it does today. Hardly any household had fast Internet access, the Apple iPod had just been introduced, and the iPhone and other smartphones were at best a distant vision of the future.

But the development team in Santa Barbara was not deterred by this and gradually began to develop the technologies needed for their vision themselves. Right from the start, three points were irrefutably in the specifications: the system should be easy and quick to use, even for computer laymen, it should be robust and reliable in every situation, and everyday use should be as simple as possible.

What sounds so obvious today was indeed revolutionary in the early 2000s, and the more so when Sonos presented its first finished products at CES 2005 presented to the public. The touchscreen controller in particular amazed the experts. It never occurred to anyone that you could operate a hi-fi system this way.

So Sonos has always had a keen sense of how people would want to use technology wisely. And over the years, the Americans have never lost that edge. Back in 2007, shortly after the launch of the first iPhone, they presented an iPhone app for controlling a Sonos system. An Android version of the app followed as this operating system became increasingly important, and since 2012, Sonos' own controller is no longer available.

What remains is that a Sonos system is extremely easy to install and just as easy to expand at any time. The ease of use and reliability continue to set the standard, which explains why Sonos has been the undisputed leader in wireless multiroom for years.

To keep it that way, Sonos offices in Santa Barabara and Cambridge are constantly tracking the latest trends and developing new products. Soundbars, portable battery-powered speakers and the recently introduced Sonos Amp home theater amplifier are among these new developments, as well as innovative software solutions such as the extremely simple TruePlay room acoustic correction system.