Senic Muse Play: The “Toniebox” for the Sonos system costs 200 euros

Last year we reported on the grown-up “Tonie alternative” for sonossystem from Senic. In the form of the so-called “Muse Blocks”, playlists can be started with cover artworks via a smartphone on a Sonos system using an NFC module. Senic, a German company, recently made a name for itself with its light switches for the Hue system in cooperation with Gira – also for outdoor use. The company has been working on control options for smart home products for a long time. A few years ago they launched the (now discontinued) Nuimo. This was followed by a hub and switch – in addition to Hue lamps, these were also used sonos-Control system. However, they have also disappeared from the scene again. Last year it said it was working on new switches for both Matter and HomeKit, but hasn’t said anything since.

Instead, the company is now around the corner with a limited edition of “Muse Play”. The smartphone is replaced with independent hardware that reads the NFC chips of the Muse Blocks and has controls for music control. As before, it is not about storage media, but only about links to the streaming service. The Muse Blocks can be hung and browsed like a record collection.

With Muse Play, Senic wants to take a smartphone-free approach. Sounds logical, because if you use your smartphone, you can change the playlist or make other settings directly in apps. All you have to do here is drop the Muse block on Muse Play to listen to music. A Tonie-Box, so to speak, but not (only) for children. When it comes to the choice of materials, high-quality artillery is also used here. The base plate is made of mineral material in combination with anodised aluminum and double-hardened acrylic glass. The hardware is powered via USB-C and communicates via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Muse Play works with Sonos S2 speakers. The app is used to configure where the music is to be played. After configuration, the smartphone can stay in your pocket. The playlist is selected via the physical Muse blocks. Music can also be played, paused and the volume adjusted using the haptic rotary wheel. In addition, the stand has a touch surface to skip songs or to change the grouping of the Sonos system.

According to the product page, the hardware has the official “Works with Sonos” certification. Additional functions are promised via a free software update. If you look at the range of discontinued products, I would be careful. Currently, the whole thing only works with Spotify and Apple Music. Other music services for Sonos are to follow.

All of this comes at a price 199.99 euros are due. Optionally for a model in black or white. Currently only available in a limited first edition of 1,000 devices. When pre-ordering, a deposit of 10 euros must be paid. The balance is due upon shipment. The package includes 3 Muse Blocks that can be linked to your favorite music. Delivery is expected to take place in the second quarter of 2023.

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