All posts in “Roundup”

Here’s All the New Audio Gear That Sonos Just Announced

It’s exciting times for Sonos. The multi-room speaker giant just announced three new products at IFA, Europe’s biggest consumer tech trade show. There’s the Sonos Move, the company’s first-ever portable speaker; the Sonos Port, which is the next-generation version of the Sonos Connect; and there’s the Sonos One SL, a new entry-level Sonos speaker. We’ve given you a brief rundown on all three new products below.

The push for new products shouldn’t be a surprise if you’ve followed Sonos. Patrick Spence, the company’s CEO since 2017, is actively moving the company to be more open and forward-thinking, as well as pushing it to expand its product line. Since Spence took over, Sonos has released its first smart speaker, partnered with IKEA to make the most affordable Sonos speakers (Symfonisk), and now it has entered a completely new market: portable audio.

Sonos Move

The Sonos Move is the company’s first-ever portable speaker. It has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing it to be way more versatile than any other Sonos speaker to date; you can use it like a Sonos One smart speaker – yes, the Move can be integrated with either Alexa or Google Assistant – or you can use it as a portable rugged Bluetooth speaker. There’s a new three-button array on the back of the speaker that allows you to toggle between modes. The Sonos Move costs $399 and is available for preorder now; you’ll be able to pick it up in stores or buy online on September 24.

Sonos Port

The Sonos Port is the next-gen Connect ($349) you’ve been waiting for. It works the same way, hooking up to your existing stereo or receiver and turning your non-Sonos sound system into one that works just like it, but the Port adds some big things. First, it supports AirPlay 2. Second, it has 12-volt trigger, which enables the Port to automatically turn on your connected receiver when signaled through the Sonos app. And third, it’s matte black and actually looks like it will blend in with your other stereo components. The Sonos Port costs $399 and is available for preorder. A select number of models will starting on September 12, but they’ll be available everywhere starting in January 2020.

Sonos One SL

The Sonos One SL is essentially a Sonos One speaker without the built-in mics that allow you to talk to Alexa or Google Assistant. Or you can think of it as a Play:1 speaker but in the body of a Sonos One. Either way, the Sonos One SL is the company’s new most entry-level speaker – aside from the Ikea x Sonos Symfonisk speakers – and it costs $179. It’s available for pre-order right now in either white or black. Sadly, the introduction of the Sonos One SL means that Sonos will be phasing out its original Play:1 speaker.

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

What Gear Patrol Readers Bought in March

Spring is finally here. Gear Patrol readers are taking notice by upgrading their outdoor gear, adding cast-iron cookware to their kitchen lineups, freshening up their warm-weather wardrobes and upgrading their coffee choices as well as the coffee makers they use to brew at home.

To round things out, we’ve put together a list of the 10 most popular products we covered in March. Read the full list below.


Bell Motorcycle Helmets

“The vintage-styled, dirt-focused MX-9 is currently 19 percent off. But the biggest savings are on the Bell Star line – you can look forward to saving $300 and still get a top-notch lid.” — Bryan Campbell

Urnex Dezcal Coffee Cleaner

“‘I’ve used [Urnex’s] food-safe cleaners in every shop I’ve ever worked in,” says Erika Vonie, Director of Coffee at Trade. “They don’t leave a residue or impart flavor when used correctly and leave your equipment factory-clean when all is said and done.’” — Will Price

Huckleberry Coffee

Huckleberry Roastery recently took home first place from the U.S. Roaster Championship. “Based in Denver, Colorado, Huckleberry Roasters has grown from a garage roaster to a global micro-farm sourcing powerhouse. Huckleberry offers plenty of single origins, blends and decaf options at varying roast levels — in other words, it doesn’t discriminate against your taste in coffee.” — Will Price

Lodge Cast-Iron Skillet Scraper

“Every person who has ever bought a cast-iron skillet, used it once, then stowed it under the countertop for the rest of time does so for one reason: it’s annoying as hell to maintain. You can’t scrape it up with metal utensils or paper towels, so what do you do? You buy Lodge’s stupid-simple $3 plastic scrapers.” — Will Price

Lodge 12″ Cast-Iron Skillet

“Good news: Lodge’s 12-inch skillet is marked down to just $25 at Amazon. More good news: the 12-inch is the perfect start to a new cast iron collection. As with all Lodge pans, the 12-inch comes pre-seasoned and ready to cook out of the box (we recommend starting with bacon).” — Will Price

Foehn Brise Pant

“We have a lot of nice things to say about Foehn. Whether it be their Brise pant or their hoodie we reviewed as a part of our best down jackets of 2019 rundown, our writers have been impressed with Foehn’s ability to balance style with functionality.” — J.D. DiGiovanni

Everlane Performance Chino

“Designing outside-of-the-gym clothing to perform like athletic apparel is far from a new idea. Instead, what makes these chinos from Everlane remarkable is that they don’t look like running tights masquerading as the kind of pants you’d wear to the office.” — J.D. DiGiovanni

Technivorm Moccamaster

“Launched in 1969, the Moccamaster became the first coffee maker ever approved by the Specialty Coffee Association’s rigorous home brewer program. It’s easy as hell to use and still has a sleek ’60s aesthetic.” — Will Price

Arc’teryx Atom SL Jacket

“Arc’teryx specializes in a high-performing and good-looking city to mountain gear — making it a favorite brand around the GP offices.” — Meg Lappe

Naglev Unico Hiker

“A pair of handmade hiking boots can cost as much as $750, but right now there’s a pair made by a small Italian brand called Naglev available for $173, which is 25 percent off its regular price of $230. Before you discount that as small change, know that the shoe, called the Unico Hiker, is unlike any other hiking shoe available (it’s also on our list of the best hiking boots available).” — Tanner Bowden

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.