Hello

I know many are disappointed that the coming Sonos Ace headphones will not act as a “room’ in the Sonos ecosystem. However, there is a plausible explanation that may apply to a limited number of Sonos users. More on that later (see Side Note).

Also at launch the Ace headset will only receive TV audio (no music audio) from an Arc soundbar to be followed by the Beam (Gen 1&2) and possibly the Ray. But perhaps the biggest disappointment is that they are Bluetooth for everything else audio (or could they be more later on) 

Sonos may have a plan that will make the Ace more promising in the future through the incorporation of the Bluetooth 5.4. codec. Bluetooth of any sort is considered a short range connection. However Bluetooth 5.4 would appear to open up new possibilities such as:

• Bi-directional Communication *
• Improved lockout of outside interference which causes signal loss
• Increased data security 
• Longer range/penetration for a more stable connection **

I have included a few links on the advantages of Bluetooth 5.4 to allow you to draw your own conclusions as to what it may mean to the Sonos Ace headset_currently and in the future via enhancements that may be pushed-out by Sonos.

• https://www.phonearena.com/news/what-is-bluetooth-5.4_id154565
• https://www.hongyifashion.com/news-show-1039094.html
• https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/advantges-bluetooth-version-54-jessie-h

Side Note: Sonos systems allow a maximum of 32 units. If a user is maxed out with Sonos gear a decision would have to made as to which unit would be taken off/hiden in order to use the Ace headset as a room. The decision may be simple if one can remove a Sonos Move or Roam to accommodate the Ace headset as a room. As those speakers are portables and can easily be added back to the network when needed. If not the choice becomes a bit more involved.

Maybe Sonos thought that scenario through and decided not to allow the Ace headset as a room and opted to allow the Arc, Beam and Ray to act as surrogates to send Dolby Atmos. In that scenario users need not tinker with their systems. Other audio (music) to be handled over Bluetooth (at least for the time being). Hopefully, Sonos soundbars mentioned will be able to send music audio in the near future.

The above is just my speculation; but is the only plausible answer/reason I can think of to justify Sonos decision. As I said in the beginning the scenario would probably only impact a very few (like myself ).

 * At present the application is geared toward commercial; but could trickle down to consumer electronics

 ** Bluetooth 5.0 previously established  a range improvement that Bluetooth 5.4 may improve upon in certain scenarios

BTW...I’m sure there’ll be a plethora of negative comments from the usual nay-sayers. So bring em’ on!