‘Sonos is working on smaller Move, has to compete with JBL Charge’

After years of working on WiFi speakers, Sonos introduced its first wireless speaker with a Bluetooth connection in 2019: the Sonos Move. Despite the integrated battery, it was not easy to move. A new Move should solve this: the key to the solution lies in a smaller size.

Sonos Move Mini

A second speaker in the Sonos Move series may soon be a reality, according to published FCC data. The speaker, which has been approved by the FCC as model S27, is shown in diagrams of the FCC in a test setup with a wireless charger and an antenna. Although that does not necessarily confirm that it is a smaller Move, it does make it clear that the speaker can be charged wirelessly and – as was the case with the original Move – therefore contains a battery.

For the wireless connection in the FCC test setup, WiFi 5 (802.11AC) is used; in addition to the existing WiFi connection, the S27 also supports bluetooth, so that it could also be used outdoors.

In the above diagram, the ‘EUT’ is the speaker, image: FCC

For the first Sonos Move, the weight was on the high side, making it not very convenient to take it everywhere. With the S27 that may change: the FCC labels appear to be printed on a ‘cylindrical’ bottom.

JBL Charge competitor

Bluetooth speakers such as the JBL Charge or Ultimate Ears Boom usually also use a round bottom. That could mean that the published test data is for a Sonos Move Mini – that it is a smaller speaker than the Move is also evident from the lower energy consumption. Obviously, it is difficult to draw direct conclusions on the basis of this data. After all, Sonos could have worked on more efficient equipment, without making the device smaller.

Sonos’ smaller Move may have a cylindrical design, image: FCC

While that may seem illogical with the upcoming Move’s cylindrical design, it is possible. That it is a Sonos Move speaker seems to be certain: in the FCC report model number S27 is cited, while the original Move from 2019 is known as S17. Details about the weight, battery capacity and software functionality of the S27 are as yet unknown.

Lower suggested retail price

With its smaller size, it is hoped that the price will be lower than the suggested retail price that the Move received in 2019 – which currently costs around 399 euros. For that money you have two Sonos One speakers; especially given the fact that the Move is difficult to carry, this may be the better choice.

Perhaps a lower price of a possible Move Mini can ensure that it can also beat the well-known bluetooth speakers. Do you like a Sonos Move Mini? Let us know in the comments at the bottom of the article.