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Bose Unveils $299-$1,099 Lifestyle Audio Collection, Preorders Open

5/6/2026

Summary

Bose Launches

Bose launched the Lifestyle Collection, a three-product home-audio system now open for preorder.
The lineup includes the Lifestyle Ultra Speaker at $299, the Ultra Soundbar at $1,099, and the Ultra Subwoofer at $899.
All three devices use Wi-Fi and support Google Cast, Apple AirPlay, Spotify Connect, and Bluetooth.
Pre-orders begin today on Bose.com with shipments slated for May 15.
A limited-edition Driftwood Sand speaker is priced at $349.

Summary

Bose Rivals Sonos

Bose positions its Lifestyle Ultra line as a direct rival to Sonos, naming the Era 100 SL as comparable.
A redesigned app will let users control all Lifestyle devices together, addressing glitches seen in Sonos’ app.
Bose confirms that only Amazon Alexa+ is supported and no other voice assistants work on the speakers.
Bose says Ultra speakers can sync wirelessly with third-party devices such as Google Nest Audio, enabling broader multi-room setups.

Summary

Bose Limits Controls

The Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar ships without a physical remote, requiring control via the Bose app or Alexa, raising accessibility concerns.
It offers only one eARC-compatible HDMI port and lacks HDMI passthrough and DTS decoding, limiting integration.
Tidal Connect is absent at launch but Bose promises a future software update to add it.
An optional wall-mount kit sells for £34 / €39 / $49 / AU$69, adding extra expense for users who want to conceal the bar.

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Bose Launches

Bose launched the Lifestyle Collection, a three-product home-audio system now open for preorder.
The lineup includes the Lifestyle Ultra Speaker at $299, the Ultra Soundbar at $1,099, and the Ultra Subwoofer at $899.
All three devices use Wi-Fi and support Google Cast, Apple AirPlay, Spotify Connect, and Bluetooth.
Pre-orders begin today on Bose.com with shipments slated for May 15.
A limited-edition Driftwood Sand speaker is priced at $349.

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