# Mic-Free Wireless Speakers Sonos' New Roam SL Wireless Speaker Ditches The Microphone By Niko Pajkovic | Published 2022-03-01 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roam-sl References: [acquiremag](https://www.acquiremag.com/tech/sonos-roam-sl) & [sonos](https://www.sonos.com/en-us/shop/roam-sl?utm_source=Sovrn+Commerce+%28formerly+Viglink+Inc.%29&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=cj-2470763&source=cj&cjevent=22a08bbd998211ec829341fc0a82b821&cjdata=MXxOfDB8WXww)  [Sonos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roam-speaker), an American electronics company specializing in audio products, has announced the launch of a new version of its popular Roam [wireless speaker](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plus-minus-zero) dubbed the Roam SL. Interestingly, the latest version of the speaker contains no upgrades at all; instead, it is identical to the previous model except that it does not feature a built-in microphone. Not only does this lower the price of the otherwise premium unit, but it may make the speaker appeal to consumers who are concerned that contemporary tech products are "listening" to their conversations. Aside from removing the mic, the Sonos Roam SL still delivers the great features of the original model. These include a built-in battery, Bluetooth connectivity, 10 hours of audio playback per charge, and [dust and waterproofing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/waterproof-bluetooth-speaker1). Image Credit: Sonos ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.7/10 - Popularity: 36% | Activity: 33% | Freshness: 11% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Mic-free Audio Devices:** Opportunity for companies to offer audio products without built-in microphones to cater to privacy-conscious consumers. - **Price-reduction Innovation:** Potential for businesses to release new versions of existing products without upgrades in order to lower the price point and attract new customers. - **Privacy-focused Tech:** Market opportunity for companies to create tech products that specifically cater to privacy concerns of consumers. ### Where This Applies - **Consumer Electronics:** Companies within the consumer electronics industry can benefit from the opportunity to release new versions of existing products without certain features to cater to a wider range of customers. - **Audio Equipment:** Innovations in audio equipment that provide the same features as competitors, but without built-in microphones, may create new market opportunities or expand market share for established businesses. - **Cybersecurity:** As tech consumers become more security and privacy-conscious, this may generate more demand for cybersecurity products and services that enable and protect customer privacy. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Portable Voice-Enabled Smart Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roam-speaker.md) - [Colorful Streamlined Wireless Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roam-2.md) - [Portable High-End Audio Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sonos-move-2.md) - [Affordable Multi-Room Speaker Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dio-node.md) - [Spatial Audio Bluetooth Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/era-speaker.md) - [Studio-Quality Connected Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/edifier-ms50a.md) - [Spatial Audio Smart Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/era-300.md) - [Compact Affordable Soundbars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-ray.md) - [High-End Assistant-Free Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/denon-home-150-nv.md)