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We’ve been pretty careful while testing ours, as we are with most things, but the Roam has fared well on its travels so far. The speaker sounds its best when playing something grand and melodic over wifi cranked up to at least 20% volume. Photograph: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Given its nomadic ambitions, the Roam cannot rely on wi-fi alone for its music streaming, so Bluetooth and AirPlay 2 are also on board. Connecting via Bluetooth is as simple as holding down the Roam’s power button and waiting for the Sonos to pop up in your available devices. The Roam works with Qi-certified wireless chargers, or with Sonos' own custom wireless charger to maintain its low profile. Wireless chargers are optional and sold separately.
For the uninitiated, Sonos S2 is the latest app and operating system – essentially a complete update to the software side of the ecosystem. Which voice assistants can I use with Sonos Roam? That doesn't mean that Sonos speakers or soundbars can't be tweaked and bettered, mind. Whether you’ve got the small Sonos One, a pair of Play:5s, or a Beam or Arc sitting under the TV, the following accessories can get even more out of your favourite speakers... Unfortunately not. Not for the moment, at least. Sonos is well known for its regular updates and new features can be added to its speakers in time. Right now, though, if you want proper decoded surround using dedicated rear speakers, you’ll need the Sonos One, One SL, Play:1, Play:3, Play:5, Five, Symfonisk bookshelf speaker or Symfonisk lamp speaker (or an Amp or Connect:Amp powering passive speakers). I decided I don't really need a portable speaker to be part of my Sonos system and so went for the Charge 5 since it has double the battery life, faster charge and has the power bank feature. It sounds good with some EQ adjustment too.
In fact, there is probably only a handful of companies that could hope to have similar impact without some truly game-changing feature. Because, though Sonos is almost synonymous with wireless speakers – in mass-market terms at least – it has taken until 2021 to release one that is fully portable and geared totally towards outside living.
Sonos' Roam is the portable smart speaker for listening adventures, letting you take superb Sonos sound with you. Enjoy music, voice control and the ability for multi-room listening with other Sonos speakers over your Wi-Fi at home. Plus you get Bluetooth streaming, all day battery life and waterproof durability when it's on the go. Once you've unboxed Roam, you can start charging using the included USB-C cable and a 7.5W (5V/1.5A) or higher USB power adapter. To set up Roam and connect it to your system, just open the Sonos S2 app while on Wi-Fi and follow the prompts. When you're ready to stream over Bluetooth, pair Roam with your mobile device by holding the power button until you hear the second chime. Some people have a wide array of music stored meticulously on a music server, but most of us these days rely heavily on streaming services – and Sonos works with nearly all of them. That said, if you are determined to add some extra protection, long-time Sonos-collaborator Flexson has just launched a case for the Roam and we're sure more must be on the way. Can Sonos Roam play while charging? Easily connect compatible Sonos speakers in different rooms over Wi-Fi to create a home sound system that plays music in any or every room.
That USB port is the only physical connection, so there seems little danger of being harmed during a fairly rough and ready life. There are controls for play/pause, volume and microphone function on one of the Roam’s rubbered ends, but otherwise everything is controlled via the Sonos app. Stream over your home network with Wi-Fi built-in, or directly from your smart device with Bluetooth. Roam automatically connects to your home Wi-Fi, and pairs with your phone while you're away, so you only have to worry about the song choice.Yes. The Roam charges either via USB-C, using the optional Sonos Wireless Charger, or with any Qi wireless charger – and during charging, the Sonos Roam can play music. Just like the Move can. Can Sonos Roam be used as surround sound speakers?
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