Sony has rolled out a significant firmware update for its premium headphone lineup, introducing several new features that enhance user experience and functionality.
The update, available for the WF-1000XM5 earbuds, WH-1000XM5 over-ear headphones, and LinkBuds S, brings a host of improvements, with the standout addition being support for Google's Find My service. This much-anticipated feature allows users to locate misplaced headphones, potentially saving time and reducing frustration.
Key updates include:
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Google Find My Support : Users can now track down lost headphones using their smartphones, similar to the popular feature found in Apple's AirPods.
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Google Fast Pair : This addition streamlines the connection process for Android users, making it easier to pair Sony headphones with their devices.
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Auto Switch : For WF-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM5 users, this feature enables seamless audio transfer to the new LinkBuds speaker.
To access these new features, users need to ensure their devices meet the following requirements:
- iOS 16 or later for Apple devices
- Android 9.0 or later for Android devices
- Latest version of the Sony Sound Connect app
It's worth noting that the Find My feature is only available when headphones are set to Classic Audio connections.
The firmware update versions vary by model:
- WF-1000XM5: version 2.3.1
- WH-1000XM5: version 4.0.2
- LinkBuds S: version 4.2.1
This update further solidifies Sony's position in the premium headphone market, addressing a common pain point for wireless earbud users and bringing their products closer to par with competitors like Apple's AirPods Pro 2 in terms of findability.
As the wireless audio landscape continues to evolve, such software updates demonstrate Sony's commitment to improving user experience and keeping their products competitive long after initial purchase.