Sonos Play Portable Speaker Launched in India at Rs 35,999

Audio brand Sonos has launched its new compact portable speaker, the Sonos Play, priced at Rs 35,999 in India. The oval-shaped speaker weighs 1.3 kg and features a minimalist design with a rubberised top that houses playback buttons, volume controls, a Bluetooth button, a hardware microphone switch, and a voice assistant button.

Features and Battery

The Play operates primarily on Wi-Fi but also supports Bluetooth 5.3 for out-of-home use. It packs a 35Wh battery that delivers up to 24 hours of Bluetooth playback and lasts a full day on Wi-Fi at 65 percent volume. The device sits on a wireless charging base, though a compatible USB-C power adapter of at least 18W or 45W for fast charging must be bought separately. Under the hood, the speaker includes three Class-H digital amplifiers, two angled tweeters, and a single mid-woofer, alongside automatic Trueplay tuning to adjust sound based on the room.

Software and Ecosystem

The launch accompanies the new Sonos 27 operating system and a redesigned app that brings together music services, voice commands, and AI assistants like Claude, Gemini, and Sonos Voice. Users can link two Play units into a stereo pair, which brings the total cost to Rs 71,998 and adds extra depth to the sound. Despite its premium performance, the speaker lacks spatial audio support and Dolby Atmos.

Context

Portable speakers have increasingly bridged the gap between home audio systems and outdoor convenience through Wi-Fi and Bluetooth integration. Companies like Sonos typically build closed hardware ecosystems where multiple speakers link together across different rooms for a unified listening experience.