Skip to main content

Sony's WF-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM5 audio device gain a performance boost

As if they weren’t already packed enough, Sony has recently launched a firmware update giving its WH-1000XM5 headphones and WF-1000XM5 wireless earbuds even more features.

Starting with the headphones, firmware version 2.0.2 introduces two things. First, it allows LDAC to be available during a multipoint Bluetooth connection. LDAC, if you don’t know, is Sony's proprietary audio codec that’s able to transmit “three times more data” compared to Bluetooth. It essentially allows users to stream high-quality, lossless audio content. The problem was owners of the XM5 headphones couldn’t be connected to multiple Bluetooth devices and listen to Hi-Res music at the same time. That all changes moving forward. 

New dynamic head tracking

The other half of the patch introduces support for dynamic head tracking. This feature will give the headphones the ability to adjust its output according to the position of your head. So, as you move around, the audio will sound like it’s coming directly from a device, resulting in an immersive experience. It’s very similar to how Spatial Audio works on the AirPods Max.

Instructions on how to download the update can be found on Sony’s website. To give you a quick run down, you’ll have to connect your XM5 headphones to the company’s Headphones Connect app then transfer the patch over. TheVerge points out in their report the availability of dynamic head tracking depends on “what phone you’re using.” The Pixel 7 Pro, for example, supports this tech, but not a Galaxy smartphone. Samsung prefers using their 360 Audio software.

Earbuds upgrade

As for the XM5 earbuds, firmware version 2.0.1 also introduces two upgrades. You have “support for the beta version of LE (Low Energy) Audio”, a new Bluetooth standard that offers a variety of benefits. These include “improved audio quality [and] reduced power consumption”. There is a catch regarding the beta: you must own either a Xperia 1 IV or Xperia 5 IV smartphone. Also, they both must have the latest software update. The other feature in version 2.0.1 simply enhances the audio quality during a hands-free call.

Just like the headphones, instructions on how to install the patch are found on Sony’s website. The process is the same as before: connect the XM5 earbuds to the Headphones Connect, then send the firmware over to the pair.

It’s unknown Sony has plans to roll out similar upgrades to other products. We asked the company for any information it can give us on any upcoming changes. It would be cool to see this tech expanded elsewhere.

Until we hear back from Sony, be sure to check out TechRadar’s list of the best headphones for 2023. 



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Windows Copilot leak suggests deeper assimilation with Windows 11 features

Key Windows 11 features may soon be customizable as Microsoft further integrates its Windows Copilot AI assistant into the operating system. This tidbit comes from tech news site Windows Latest , which claims to have discovered new .json (JavaScript Object Notation) files within recent preview builds of Windows 11. These files apparently hint at future upgrades for the desktop AI assistant. For example, a “TaskManagerService-ai-plugin.json” was found which is supposedly a “plugin for Task Manager integration”. If this ever comes out, it could give users the ability to “monitor or close running apps using” Copilot. In total, six are currently tested and they affect various aspects of Windows 11. Next, there is an “AccessbilityTools-ai-plugin.json” that gives Copilot a way to “control accessibility [tools]. This would make it "easier for those with [a] disability to navigate through the system.” Third is “ai-plugin-WindowsSettings.json” for controlling important Windows 11 set...
Post a Comment
Read more

Google Chrome releases security fix for this major flaw, so update now

Google says it has fixed a high-severity flaw in its Chrome browser which is currently being exploited by threat actors in the wild.  In a security advisory , the company described the flaw being abused and urged the users to apply the fix immediately.  "Google is aware that an exploit for CVE-2023-2033 exists in the wild," the advisory reads. Automatic updates The zero-day in question is a confusion weakness vulnerability in the Chrome V8 JavaScript engine, the company said. Usually, this type of flaw can be used to crash the browser, but in this case it can also be used to run arbitrary code on compromised endpoints.  The flaw was discovered by Clement Lecigne from the Google Threat Analysis Group (TAG). Usually, TAG works on finding flaws abused by nation-states, or state-sponsored threat actors. There is no word on who the threat actors abusing this flaw are, though. Read more > Patch Google Chrome now to fix this emergency security flaw > Emergency...
Post a Comment
Read more

Samsung's ViewFinity S9 may be the monitor creatives have been searching for

Originally revealed during CES 2023 , Samsung has finally launched its ViewFinity S9 5K monitor after nine long months of waiting.  According to the announcement, the ViewFinity S9 is the company’s first-ever 5K resolution (5,120 x 2880 pixels) IPS display aimed primarily at creatives. IPS stands for in-plane switching , a form of LED tech offering some of the best color output and viewing angles on the market. This quality is highlighted by the fact that the 27-inch screen supports 99 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut plus delivers 600 nits of brightness.  Altogether, these deliver great picture quality made vibrant by saturated colors and dark shadows. The cherry on top for the ViewFinity S9 is a Matte Display coating to “drastically [reduce] light reflections.”  As a direct rival to the Apple Studio Display , the monitor is an alternative for creative professionals looking for options. It appears Samsung has done its homework as the ViewFinity S9 addresses some of...
Post a Comment
Read more