Sonos makes some of the best wireless speakers money can buy, but they’re not compatible with some of the most popular streaming apps. Darlite is a new device that changes that.
It’s the first accessory that unlocks “the full potential of your Sonos system” by allowing you to connect to devices and services over Bluetooth, AirPlay, DLNA, and a 3.5mm audio jack.
“This product is the result of our own passion for music and connected devices, an understanding of Sonos users, and countless hours developing a product we would like to have in our homes,” says Darlite.
It’s designed to sit beautifully beneath your PLAY:1 Sonos speaker, but works alongside all Sonos products and looks just as pretty on its own. Its dynamic lights react to your music or let you set the mood via a companion app.
Darlite connects via an Ethernet cable on your router or Sonos device, so setup couldn’t be simpler. Once paired, it can transfer audio from just about anywhere, including YouTube, BBC iPlayer, Audible, Vevo, Vimeo, Google Play Music, Pocket Casts, Apple Music, Deezer, and every other app on your smartphone or tablet.
Thanks to Darlite’s 3.5mm jack, you can also play music from more traditional sources, like a record or cassette player.
Darlite is the ultimate Sonos companion, but it needs your help to become a reality. It is currently seeking backers on Kickstarter, where a pledge of €119 gets you a Darlite as soon as they start shipping next January.
Killian Bell is a freelance writer based in the U.K. He has an interest in all things tech and also covers Android over at CultofAndroid.com. You can follow him on Twitter via @killianbell.
3 responses to “This add-on makes your Sonos compatible with everything”
It’s all fun & games until the Sonos cease & desist letter arrives or the software update occurs that blocks this…
Hmm interesting.
The current Sonos recommended solution for AirPlay1 support involves plugging an AirPort Express in to a Sonos Play device, this is a one-to-one solution so if you want to AirPlay1 to multiple different Sonos Play units you would need multiple AirPort Express units. However strong rumours are that Apple are going to discontinue the AirPort Express and Extreme.
In addition Apple announced AirPlay2 along with the HomeHub. Whilst AirPlay1 is still going to be possible only AirPlay2 will be compatible with HomeKit. It would therefore be much MUCH more attractive if Darlite supported AirPlay2 – I would definitely buy one then myself.
A further announcement from WWDC is that it is going to be possible in some cases to add HomeKit support via a software only upgrade to existing devices. This could potentially open the window for Sonos to issue a software upgrade that added AirPlay2 and HomeKit support which is the approach I would prefer.