Thanks to firmware updates, Sony’s top noise-canceling audio products, the WH-1000XM6 headphones and the WF-1000XM5 earbuds, both released two years ago, are getting new features.
Sony’s 6.0.0 update for the headphones and 3.0.0 update for the earbuds bring audio sharing with Fast Pair, support for Google’s Gemini Live AI assistant and digital assistant and head-tracking features when connected to Bluetooth LE Audio. Google Find Hub also allows each earbud to be located individually, and there are security updates for both products.
For the new features to work after the firmware update is applied, they must be re-paired to a smartphone. These features will be most useful to those pairing these audio products with newer Android smartphones, including Samsung Galaxy and Pixel models. iPhones don’t support some LE Audio features.
Rumors suggest Sony may soon release a new version of the earbuds, the WF-1000XM6. The market for headphones in general, especially those offering features like noise cancellation and smart assistants, is booming, and sales are expected to double by 2032 to $114.81 billion globally.
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