New Playbar Release Any Indication ?

Really irritated by the lack of developments on this. Bought two SONOS speakers a couple of years ago now, and haven't added to them simply because of the inferior soundbar. Unfortunately, it's time to upgrade my setup and this is now in danger of dictating the type of television I'm going to buy, as only specific brands output 5.1 from their optical out, and so many of my films are on AppleTV/NAS.

The market is moving away from physical media like DVD and BD, and I'm doubtful BD4K will catch on. SONOS need a 5.1 Home Cinema solution for the future - and that means an HDMI pass-through.

SONOS need a 5.1 Home Cinema solution for the future - and that means an HDMI pass-through.
If the TV doesn't pass through 5.1, just use an HDMI audio extractor/de-embedder.

While typical Sonos unit life cycle for replacement may be 6 years or so.

The Playbar to me is a little different in that there have been so many changes since it was released when it comes to TV and 5.1 that it will be in need of replacement much more quickly.

Either a Playbar Gen:2 or another surround method (like a connect with digital input) will have to be on the horizon primarily because TV manufacturers failed to properly implement the standards for optical output from their TVs. I can't see Sonos abandoning this market (as sticking with the Playbar in its current form would be).

I think they would be better making some kind of 'super connect' with a whole bunch of inputs and outputs and surround formats (with plenty of memory for format upgrades) where it can wireless send content to any combination of newer (5ghz) speakers - playbar, 1,3,5 and sub. Users can configure them any which way they like.

Playbar to me limits their speaker sales. Playbar a sub and a couple play surrounds. (buy 4 components)

Superconnect, sub, fronts and center, rears (up to 4 for 7.1) ...... (that is is 9 component sold)

There are so many competing soundbars out there but there is no true 7.1 completely customizable wireless system out there (and especially works for projector owners who have no wires going to front of room).

and a new Play:ATMOS speaker

I got out of 5.1 really when I went Sonos (used to be big on my 5.1 system and movies). I have a playbar but really don't watch movies with it much.

Super Connect and Play:Atmos speakers - - that would get me back into surround sound (and cost me a pile of money going Sonos way too).

I'd certainly be a fan of them supporting/going ATMOS as well, and would be spending some funds to support my habit.

I agree with most of you that Sonos needs to keep pace with technology. One product in market for over 2 years is too long!!! I am myself in technology industry and have found so many companies who have lost market because of speed of innovation. Products they made were of excellent quality but lost the market over the years. I really hope its not case with Sonos. I really want to stay with it but I am finding very difficult to stay away from Bose as I am not a music fanatic, while still want to have good music and make full use of current investment. I would have had a Sonos Playbar with me by now if it had just an HDMI ARC, don't care about bluetooth etc.

Going by what has been said by Sonos, priority is streaming services and voice control. I doubt therefore that the video side is a present priority. And in that application, it has always been a compromise solution, unlike in audio where it can go head to head with any other audio solution, on all counts - including against legacy hifi wired kit.

I am part of Sonos beta program. I agree with you Kumar. Recently I am testing integration with Spotify. I thinks its pretty good. I am only concern is HDMi ARC will offer a better sound quality as compared to current optical connectivity.