Arc 2 Speculation
I ran across this article and thought it was interesting. I am generally skeptical that an Arc 2 will come out any time soon, but the projected features are interested, and perhaps worthy of a discussion.
1 - wireless content. I think this is a bit more complex that the author states. Not only does the TV or projector need to send the audio data (and control) wirelessly to soundbar, but it would need to have in built in controls over the timing to make sure audio and video are in sync. An HDMI dongle might be able to do this, but it would have to be on the source side, meaning you can’t use your smart TV apps for it, meaning you’ve still got to have wires.
I tend to think wireless content is overrated anyway. The TV and the soundbar both need power cords, and I don’t think 2 cords is significantly better over 3.
2- smaller size. I am not bothered by the Arc size. If your TV legs are too short, throw a hockey puck or two underneath.
3 - more speakers. I don’t think more is necessarily better, and I’m not thinking you can improve the audio much in a typical home space by attempting to bounce more channels off the walls and ceiling. I’m not sure the physics work for that either . I mean, there is really only one path off the ceiling (two if you count left and right) from soundbar to listening area. You can’t bounce another channel off the ceiling at a different angle and have it reach the listening area. You could do some timing tricks maybe, but do you need additional speakers for that? The Beam does not.
4 - bigger bass - The tech is there for this to happen, but I don’t think Sonos will incorporate a full sub into the soundbar, to leave room for the actual sub. That almost make the Arc 2 less affordable for many. Also, they would surely make it so woofers can play higher frequencies if a sub is bonded to the room.
5 - better height - Yes. I don’t what to think about this as I have not heard nearly enough atmos soundbars in my room to tell how much room is left for improvement.
6 - trueplay quicktuning - I think this will be standard on all future speakers going forward.I would expect a new Arc would have bluetooth too. I wouldn’t be surprised if aux input is left off though.