The collaboration between IKEA and Sonos has seen a new speaker addition to the Symfonisk range this week – the Symfonisk Picture Frame Wi-Fi speaker.
Set for release on 15th July, the new addition will be priced at £179 / $199 and will have the option for interchangeable fronts which will cost £17 / €17 / $20 each. Despite the name ‘Picture Frame’ suggesting users can customise the front to display their own photos, this is not the case. The front panel shows a piece of art that can be removed and swapped with another choice from the range. Removing the front panel reveals the speaker drivers underneath.
Image: IKEA
For flexibility and ease of installation, the power cable can be routed out in several directions to fit the nearest socket. There is also an area to store the wire at the back of the frame for a tidy and clean presentation.
If the user does not want the Picture Frame Wi-Fi speaker on the wall, they have the option to stand it on the floor using the feet on the frame, which can be put away when not in use.
As with all the products in the Symfonisk range, IKEA collaborated with Sonos for the sound requirements. According to Sonos, the most challenging part of developing this product was to create a room-filling sound from an unusually placed speaker compared to its other speaker styles. Getting around this, Sonos built in a waveguide to help direct audio throughout the room.
Image: IKEA
Users can have two Picture Frame speakers paired in stereo, or daisy chain them for a clean, one wire solution.
The frame features buttons on the left side for user control. Sonos and IKEA icons have also been used as a visual indicator of where to feel for them. Users can also control the speaker through their Sonos app as well as AirPlay 2.
It has also been confirmed by an IKEA spokesperson that a redesigned table lamp speaker will also be announced in the near future.
Main image: IKEA