BluOS and Sonos Updates Expand Surround Options

BluOS — the wireless multiroom music platform used by NAD, PSB, and Bluesound — is adding virtual Dolby Atmos support to BluOS-enabled products, including the Bluesound Pulse+ soundbar introduced earlier this year, while Sonos adds DTS Digital Surround support to its lineup of soundbars, which includes the Sonos Arc, a Sound & Vision 2020 Top Pick in 2020.

By the end of the week, owners of BluOS-enabled products will be prompted to activate a software update to unlock a “unique BluOS implementation of Dolby Atmos” in the Pulse Soundbar+ that provides Movie, Music, and Late Night virtual surround-sound listening modes. “Great care has been taken to assure the timbre of the audio remains natural anywhere in the listening environment,” BluOS said in the press release announcing the update.

The version 3.16 firmware update also adds Tunify, which provides commercially-licensed music options for business owners. Click here for more information on the BluOs update.

The new Sonos S2 software update adds DTS Digital Surround decoding to the Arc, Beam (Gen 2), Beam (Gen 1), Playbar, Playbase, and Sonos Amp. Owners of these products can access the update within the Sonos app (Settings > System > System Updates > Check for Updates). Once the update is activated, users will see a DTS badge on the Now Playing screen when they are streaming DTS Digital Surround content.

The update also adds a battery saver mode for the Roam and Move portable wireless speakers that automatically turns the speaker off after 30 minutes of inactivity. EQ Settings have also been added to the Now Playing Screen in the Sonos app, allowing iOS users to adjust EQ settings, including bass, treble, and loudness. Android support is expected to be available in the coming months.

In a separate announcement, Sonos said support for Amazon Music Ultra HD and Dolby Atmos Music will be coming soon.

Click here for more information on the Sonos update.