Ikea's Symfonisk picture frame speaker to support AirPlay 2

Ikea inadvertently confirmed the existence of a rumored Symfonisk picture frame-cum-speaker on Tuesday, and in doing so revealed that the upcoming device will support Apple's AirPlay 2 protocol.

In a listing on its U.S. website, Ikea describes the Symfonisk as a "WiFi speaker and a picture frame in one makes the sound blend into the home."

Like other Symfonisk products, the picture frame was created in collaboration with Sonos and features AirPlay 2 integration. The technology enables Apple ecosystem users to stream audio to multiple rooms and control the device via HomeKit and the Home app. Ikea notes users can buy two frames to make a stereo pair.

The device measures 22 inches high, 16 inches wide, and 2 inches deep, and includes a printed mesh covering that can be interchanged with other designs. As noted by The Verge, which spotted the listing earlier today, it appears that users will not be able to mount their own art on the Symfonisk as it would likely hinder sound transmission.

Ikea's website currently shows black and white color options, both of which are priced at $199.99. The new Symfonisk is not available for sale online or in stores, though its listing today suggests an official launch is in the offing.

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5 Comments

aknabi 13 Years · 211 comments

About 3 years ago

Hopefully the sound will be great (wondering about the crispness of the bass/low-end).

Minor suggestion: Ikea should both sell a "blank canvas" cover to allow folks to create their own covers (say that works with watercolors), or team up with a vendor so that artists can upload designs and sell covers, with the vendor handling printing/shipping and the artist gets a cut (like several t-shirt vendors do).

And yeah those power cables will be a PITA for the OCD crowd (like me… which may be the reason I don’t fill my home with them)…

22july2013 11 Years · 3736 comments

Since picture frames tend to have a good view of the room they are in, (and since this frame has to be "wired") I'd like a frame with a built-in HomeKit Secure Video camera. Even better, the location of the camera should be different in every product sold, to make it more difficult to disable.

P.S. The link to Ikea in the article isn't working right now.

neilm 16 Years · 1001 comments

aknabi said:
And yeah those power cables will be a PITA for the OCD crowd (like me… which may be the reason I don’t fill my home with them)…

Yes. Installing a recessed outlet for power and I/O cables behind a TV is a certain amount of work to do right, but it's not rocket science. I'm surprised at the number of 'hang it on the wall with dangling cables' installations one sees. Fugly!

Japhey 6 Years · 1772 comments

22july2013 said:

Since picture frames tend to have a good view of the room they are in, (and since this frame has to be "wired") I'd like a frame with a built-in HomeKit Secure Video camera. Even better, the location of the camera should be different in every product sold, to make it more difficult to disable.

P.S. The link to Ikea in the article isn't working right now.

That’s a really good idea. Unfortunately, I doubt these things will be around long enough to receive that type of upgrade. How long did those speaker lamps last? A year, maybe two? I applaud IKEA for swinging for the fences, and trying new things. Eventually, they’ll find their home run, but I seriously doubt this is it.

Japhey said:

22july2013 said:

Since picture frames tend to have a good view of the room they are in, (and since this frame has to be "wired") I'd like a frame with a built-in HomeKit Secure Video camera. Even better, the location of the camera should be different in every product sold, to make it more difficult to disable.

P.S. The link to Ikea in the article isn't working right now.

That’s a really good idea. Unfortunately, I doubt these things will be around long enough to receive that type of upgrade. How long did those speaker lamps last? A year, maybe two? I applaud IKEA for swinging for the fences, and trying new things. Eventually, they’ll find their home run, but I seriously doubt this is it.

Thanks for the compliment. I think that's 6 compliments I've received in 2 weeks. A personal best. Although I've probably still received the same number of insults.

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