Latest news with #wirelessaudio
Gizmodo
09-06-2025
- Business
- Gizmodo
If You Own an iPhone, AirPods 4 (With and Without ANC) Have Suddenly Become Much Cheaper on Amazon
Apple has long possessed a tradition of premium pricing and hardly ever offers deep discounts, preferring instead to maintain its prestige brand name and perceived quality. But as Amazon reinstated Apple's complete lineup, the world's largest online seller has been more aggressive on pricing cuts, even on freshly released products like the AirPods 4. Since Sunday afternoon, both models of the AirPods 4 (with and without active noise cancellation) are available at an all-time low price, and it is a great time to invest in Apple's new wireless earbuds. The standard AirPods 4 model without ANC now costs $99 from its original $129 price which is a discount of 23%. If you're looking at AirPods 4 with ANC, they now cost $148 from the original $179 price (17% off). See AirPods 4 with ANC at Amazon See AirPods 4 without ANC at Amazon Great Apple Earbuds Both models of the AirPods 4 are filled with the latest technology that raises the bar for wireless sound. The standard model comes with Bluetooth connectivity, personalized spatial audio, and a water and sweat-resistant construction, and they are ideal for fitness use and daily wear. They also boast a USB-C charging case, an improvement from previous generations, and Apple's H2 chip which delivers greater sound quality, faster connectivity and improved battery life. With the charging case, users can get 30 hours of overall listening time, ready to last through long commutes, travel, or even a day at work and play. AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation take it further by incorporating adaptive audio, transparency mode, and wireless charging compatibility. Adaptive sound smartly blends transparency mode and noise cancellation and automatically adjusts to your environment for a seamless listening experience. Transparency mode allows listeners to stay aware of their environment without needing to remove the earbuds, especially useful for noisy situations. Wireless charging adds convenience with the ability to charge earbuds without needing to dig out cables. You will love the seamless setup for iPhone owners: Due to Apple's deep integration within iOS, pairing the AirPods 4 is literally as easy as opening the case close to your iPhone. The H2 chip also facilitates quicker device switching so that users can transition easily from their iPhone to iPad or Mac without skipping a beat. Personalized spatial audio is powered by dynamic head tracking and produces theater-quality sound that adapts in response to the movement of your head, so music, movies, and calls sound more lifelike. Water and sweat resistance of the AirPods 4 makes it a reliable sidekick to accompany runners and gym-goers. The USB-C charging case future-proofs the device but it also makes it easy for users to locate compatible charging devices as USB-C is already becoming a mobile standard. With 30 hours of battery life, the designers have ensured that the users will enjoy uninterrupted sound for days in a single charge, a feature that is unparalleled in the noisy wireless earbuds space. Amazon's price reduction on the AirPods 4 is rare for Apple products, particularly so soon after they released. Now is the perfect time to grab this deal before it is gone, make sure you get yours as soon as possible. See AirPods 4 with ANC at Amazon See AirPods 4 without ANC at Amazon
Digital Trends
05-06-2025
- Digital Trends
This Corsair gaming headset is usually $230 — today it's $80
Are you still using a basic gaming headset? It's time to upgrade to a better model, and the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT is currently on sale for only $80, following an attention-catching 65% discount on its original price of $230 — though this is a refurbished model that's part of the brand's Revival Series. You'll still be able to elevate the gameplay experience with this gaming headset, but the $150 in savings isn't going to last forever, so we highly recommend for you to hurry with your purchase if you want to take advantage of this special price. If any other peripherals at Corsair catch your eye — maybe a gaming mouse or gaming chair — you can use the code DIGITALTRENDS10 to get 10% off. This code excludes systems, monitors, and stuff that's already on sale. Why you should buy the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT gaming headset We gave the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT an impressive score of four out of five stars in our review, primarily because it's capable of replacing both your gaming headset and everyday headphones. This makes its discounted price right now an even bigger steal! It offers a high-resolution wireless connection but with the option to go wired with a 3.5mm jack or a USB cable. The Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT is comfortable to wear with a solid build quality, and its RGB lighting extends to the microphone for a visual cue when you've muted it. You shouldn't be concerned by the fact you're getting a refurbished Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT with this deal. Under the Revival Series, the gaming headset may show some minor cosmetic imperfections, and your purchase won't include non-essential parts or accessories, but it will be certified by Corsair itself, and its functionality will be guaranteed to be working like it's brand new. It will also come with a sanitized headband and new earcups, along with a 90-day warranty for your peace of mind. For those who are hunting for gaming headset deals, your search for an unmissable offer probably ends with the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT. As a refurbished model under Corsair's Revival Series, it's available for less than half-price as it's down to just $80 from its sticker price of $230 for a $150 discount. We're not sure how much time is remaining for you to be able to buy the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT gaming headset at 65% off, so if you want to pocket the savings, you'll need to push forward with your transaction as soon as possible.
Geeky Gadgets
27-05-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
The AirPods Pro 3 Leak You NEED to See!
The AirPods Pro 3, anticipated to launch alongside the iPhone 17 this September, is shaping up to be a significant advancement in wireless earbud technology. With a combination of innovative software and hardware enhancements, this third-generation model is expected to elevate the listening experience to new heights. Features such as real-time translation, wireless lossless audio, health monitoring sensors, and reverse wireless charging are among the highlights that could set a new benchmark in the market. Apple's focus on innovation and seamless integration within its ecosystem ensures that the AirPods Pro 3 will cater to a wide range of users, from audiophiles to fitness enthusiasts. The video below from iDeviceHelp gives us more details about the new AirPods Pro 3. Watch this video on YouTube. Innovative Software Features Apple is reportedly introducing several new software features in the AirPods Pro 3, aimed at enhancing both functionality and user convenience. One of the most anticipated additions is real-time translation, a feature that could transform multilingual communication. Whether you're traveling internationally or working in a diverse environment, this capability has the potential to break down language barriers, making interactions smoother and more efficient. Another rumored feature is the introduction of a dedicated AirPods app. This app is expected to provide users with greater control over their earbuds, offering options to customize audio settings, manage device preferences, and monitor firmware updates. This level of personalization could significantly enhance the overall user experience. For music enthusiasts, the inclusion of wireless lossless audio is particularly exciting. Powered by a new processor and advanced AI, this feature promises to deliver high-fidelity sound without the compression typically associated with wireless streaming. This means users can enjoy studio-quality audio, making sure an uncompromised listening experience that caters to even the most discerning ears. Hardware Enhancements for Superior Usability The AirPods Pro 3 is expected to feature several hardware upgrades designed to improve usability and performance. One notable enhancement is the addition of touch-sensitive media controls on the charging case. This feature would allow users to manage playback, adjust volume, and handle calls directly from the case, offering a more intuitive and seamless interaction with the device. Health-conscious users are likely to appreciate the inclusion of health monitoring sensors, which could track metrics such as heart rate and body temperature. These sensors align with Apple's broader focus on health and wellness, potentially making the AirPods Pro 3 a valuable tool for fitness tracking and overall well-being. By integrating these capabilities, Apple continues to position its products as essential companions for a healthier lifestyle. Design updates are also expected to enhance the overall user experience. The AirPods Pro 3 may feature a more compact and ergonomic design, making sure a comfortable fit for extended use. Combined with the touch-sensitive controls, these updates reflect Apple's commitment to creating user-friendly devices that seamlessly integrate into daily life. Battery Life and Charging Innovations Battery performance is a critical consideration for wireless earbuds, and the AirPods Pro 3 is rumored to deliver significant improvements in this area. Using advanced AI and processor technologies, the earbuds are expected to offer extended battery life, allowing users to enjoy longer listening sessions without the need for frequent recharging. One of the standout features is reverse wireless charging, which would enable users to charge their AirPods Pro 3 directly from the iPhone 17. This functionality not only adds convenience but also highlights Apple's dedication to seamless device integration. By allowing devices to work together more efficiently, Apple continues to enhance the overall user experience, making its ecosystem more interconnected and user-friendly. Seamless Integration and Enhanced Ecosystem Features As with previous models, the AirPods Pro 3 is designed to work seamlessly within Apple's ecosystem, offering a cohesive and intuitive experience for users. AI-powered enhancements are expected to optimize features such as adaptive noise cancellation and personalized sound profiles, delivering a more immersive and tailored listening experience. These improvements ensure that the AirPods Pro 3 adapts to individual preferences and environmental conditions, providing optimal performance in any setting. The charging case is also rumored to receive updates, including improved durability and enhanced functionality. These changes, combined with the touch-sensitive controls, reflect Apple's focus on user-centric innovation. By prioritizing ease of use and practicality, the AirPods Pro 3 is likely to remain a natural extension of the Apple ecosystem, appealing to both new and existing users. The AirPods Pro is more than just an incremental upgrade—it represents a significant step forward in wireless earbud technology. By combining advanced software features like real-time translation and wireless lossless audio with hardware innovations such as health sensors and reverse wireless charging, Apple is setting a new standard for premium earbuds. Whether you're an audiophile, a fitness enthusiast, or someone who values innovative technology, the AirPods Pro 3 promises to deliver a listening experience that is both unparalleled and deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem. Browse through more resources below from our in-depth content covering more areas on AirPods Pro 3. Source & Image Credit: iDeviceHelp Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Soundcore Liberty 5: Revolutionizing Voice-Canceling with Adaptive ANC 3.0 and Dolby Audio
Top 3 Global Wireless Audio Brand[1] Unveils Next-Gen Travel-Ready Earbuds MANILA, Philippines, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Soundcore, the premium audio brand under Anker Innovations and ranked third globally in wireless headphone shipments, today launched its groundbreaking product, the Liberty 5 in the Philippines. Positioned as its "Best Voice Noise Canceling Earbuds," this new model combines state-of-the-art Adaptive ANC 3.0 and Dolby audio, offering an immersive listening experience. The slogan "Liberty On, Noise Off" encapsulates its goal of providing a quiet journey for modern travelers. From Startup to Global Dominance in 8 Years Since its establishment in 2017, Soundcore has disrupted a market long dominated by decades-old legacy brands. In just eight years, it has ascended to the top 3 globally. "Soundcore's top 3 global position is a testament to Anker Innovations' mission: Ignite possibilities through ultimate innovation," said Leon Wu, General Manager of Southeast Asia at Anker Innovations." True leadership means putting users first. Through strategic collaboration across our ecosystem—from Anker Innovations' charging breakthroughs to eufy's smart home intelligence—we create technology solutions that adapt to life, not the other way around." After the Liberty 4 series received a positive response from Southeast Asian consumers, soundcore launched the Liberty 5, a newly upgraded product that offers optimized audio clarity for commutes and travels. Enhanced Noise Reduction: Twice the Human Voice Cancellation Power The Liberty 5's Adaptive ANC 3.0 algorithm combines a unique acoustic chamber design and advanced processing to deliver twice the voice suppression power of previous models[2]. By targeting the 300Hz–3kHz vocal frequency range, where speech energy is most concentrated, the system selectively reduces voice frequencies while scanning the environment 180 times per minute for real-time adjustments[3]. This ensures a quiet journey on trains and subways. During phone calls, all six microphones are activated to capture clear voice input while filtering out background noise. Cinematic Sound for Every Adventure The Liberty 5 delivers a theater-like audio experience, powered by Dolby Audio technology. Users can customize their listening environments through the Soundcore app, choosing from three pre-tuned modes: Music, Movie, and Podcast, to optimize sound profiles according to the content type. The earbuds are equipped with a new 9.2mm wool-paper composite driver that minimizes distortion, achieving three times the clarity in mid and high frequencies compared to conventional true wireless systems[4]. Supported by LDAC high-resolution audio (with triple the bitrate of standard codecs) and Hi-Res Wireless Certification, it preserves studio-quality details across all music genres. Dual bass tube technology enhances low-end resonance by optimizing airflow, producing richer and more natural bass that seamlessly blends with the soundstage. Designed for Effortless Travel The Liberty 5's travel-oriented design features a slimmer, IP55-rated body, ensuring durability in humid climates. With just a ten-minute charge in the case, the earbuds can provide up to five hours of playtime, ensuring they are always ready to go. A quick 10-minute charge provides up to 5 hours of playtime, ensuring you're always ready on the go. The earbuds offer 12 hours of playtime with ANC off and 8 hours with ANC on, while the fully charged case and earbuds deliver a total of 48 hours (ANC off) or 32 hours (ANC on) of battery life. The Liberty 5 supports Bluetooth 5.4 for stable 15-meter connectivity and Google Fast Pair, enabling instant device pairing via a half-screen pop-up notification[5]. Its SnapCharge case also offers the convenience of wireless charging. Pricing and Availability The new Liberty 5 comes in five colors: Black, White, Blue, Apricot, and Champagne Gold. It will be available starting today on Shopee, Lazada, and from select retailers for PHP 5,995. About Soundcore Soundcore, an Anker Innovations brand, creates audio products that help spark emotions through music. This includes premium noise-cancelling TWS earbuds and headphones, smart wearable audio devices, and Bluetooth speakers. For more information, please visit About Anker Innovations Anker Innovations is a global leader in charging and home energy storage technology and a developer of unique, consumer electronic products that support premium audio, mobile entertainment and the emerging smart home space. This innovation is being led by its key brands: Anker, Anker SOLIX, AnkerWork, eufy, Nebula, and Soundcore. More information on Anker Innovations and its various brands can be found at [1] Source: Euromonitor International (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., 2024 global shipment volume of wireless headphones among audio brands (defined as brands with ≥75% revenue from audio equipment); wireless headphones include devices using Bluetooth or other wireless technologies. Research completed in March 2025. All references to "global top 3" in this article are based on these findings. [2],[3],[4],[5] Data based on internal lab testing. Results may vary under different conditions. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Anker Innovations Sign in to access your portfolio
Digital Trends
26-05-2025
- Digital Trends
Sony WH-1000XM6 review: The best wireless headphones for almost everyone
Sony WH-1000XM6 MSRP $450.00 Score Details 'Sony's best ANC headphones so far are brilliant in almost every way.' Pros Fold-up, fold-flat hinges Premium-feeling materials and finishes Increased comfort, more secure fit Top-notch sound quality Excellent noise canceling/transparency Great for calls even in noisy places Cons No USB audio Awkward, Android-only Auracast Limited spatial audio 'Why you can trust Digital Trends – We have a 20-year history of testing, reviewing, and rating products, services and apps to help you make a sound buying decision. Find out more about how we test and score products.' Recommended Videos In some ways, Sony didn't need to update its flagship wireless headphones. Even as of May 14, 2025, one day before the official launch of the WH-1000XM6, you'd have been hard pressed to find a list of the best wireless headphones (including here at Digital Trends) that didn't put Sony's WH-1000XM5 in first place. This, despite the fact that the XM5 are now three years old, and virtually all of their competitors have been update during that time. That's how good they still are. But we all have a tendency to gravitate towards the newest, shiniest object, and besides, for all of its merits, the XM5 did have one or two areas that needed improvement. So here we are. Let me cut right to the chase. The WH-1000XM6 are amazing. Stellar. The best. And if I'm being honest, you should just buy the WH-1000XM5 while they're still available. Here's why. Design If you're looking for an excuse reason to buy the $450 WH-1000XM6, look no further than their updated design. Sony may claim otherwise, but this is where you'll find the biggest difference between them and their predecessors. I've always liked the look of the XM5, but now that I've laid my eyes on the XM6, I can't unsee the areas where the XM5 feel a little cheap. For the XM6, Sony has found a plastic formulation that doesn't look or feel like plastic at all. It's more like synthetic stone, and it gives these cans an upscale vibe that the XM5 were aiming for, but never quite hit. The earcups are now seamless, solid shells, their matte surfaces interrupted only by the eight microphone openings. But even these are beautifully crafted, with flush-mounted metal grilles instead of gaping holes. The earcushions are now much easier to remove. The hinges are also remarkable. When you look at the AirPods Max, Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, or the WH-1000XM5, you realize that when you connect a headband to a set of earcups via a single point of contact (instead of the usual yoke approach), you tend to sacrifice the ability to fold up and fold flat, leaving a less compact shape. Sony's new hinges bring back that missing second axis of movement without resorting to the older, yoke-style architecture — which Bose opted for on its QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. The other significant change is the headband. It's now wider, better padded, and asymmetrical. The first two are all about enhanced comfort, but Sony hopes the asymmetrical shape will help folks figure out the headphones' orientation a little faster. Sonos did the same thing on the Ace headphones, but in both cases, I find it easier to just look at the earcups (if the two control buttons are in my left hand, I know they're the right way 'round). Oh, and let's give Sony some serious props for giving the XM6's travel case a quick-release magnetic closure. So much better than a zipper! Sony WH-1000XM6 specs Price $450 Weight 8.96 ounces Form factor Closed-back, over-ear Noise cancellation Yes Battery life 40 hours per charge (ANC off), 30 hours (ANC on) Charging USB-C Voice assistant Native smartphone access Hands-free Google Assistant (Android only) Multipoint Yes Spatial audio Yes (with head tracking, Android only) Hi-res audio Yes (wired/wireless) Fast pairing Google Fast Pair Bluetooth/codecs BT 5.3 with AAC, SBC, LC3, LDAC Auracast Yes (Android only) Comfort, controls, and connections The headband isn't the only change for comfort's sake; the earcushions are also more generously padded. Sony has upped the clamping force, too, and the result is a more secure fit that remains very comfortable, even for several hours in a row. I don't really get the whole full-size over-ear headphones thing at the gym or while running, but I know there are many who do. If that's your thing, the XM6 are a better choice than the XM5. Just remember, they have no official IP rating for water or sweat resistance. I'd be remiss if I didn't point out that the XM6's clever new hinge design relies partly on a spring-loaded mechanism, similar to the one Apple uses on the AirPods Max. This puts the pivot point where the hinge meets the earcup, as opposed to the XM5's mechanism, which puts it at the midpoint of the earcup. For me, it creates a small but perceptible gap between the bottom of the earcup and my head, unless I extend the headband sliders more than feels normal. It's not a deal-breaker by any means, it's just something to be aware of. The XM6's controls are almost identical to the XM5. The right earcup gives you physical buttons for ANC mode selection and power/pairing, while the left is touch sensitive for playback and volume gestures. The one difference is that you can now enable a microphone mute function via the ANC button while on a call. It's a very intuitive setup and works brilliantly. The only drawback is that XM6's controls aren't cold-weather friendly unless you have capacitive-compatible gloves. Still, unlike the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones (which also use touch-based gestures for some or all controls), Sony gives you an alternative: hands-free voice commands. If you enable them in the Sound Connect app, you can say, 'Hey, Headphones,' followed by 'play song,' 'pause song,' 'raise the volume,' etc. Basically, everything you can do with a gesture or button, you can do with your voice, and it's seamless. The one caveat is that you must choose between Sony's voice commands or button-based access to your phone's voice assistant (or hands-free Google Assistant on Android). Sony's Bluetooth connections are always rock solid, and the WH-1000XM6 are no exception. When using an Android phone, Google Fast Pair makes pairing very easy (plus it adds the XM6 to Find My). Multipoint lets you keep the cans connected to two devices simultaneously, and the Sony Sound Connect app makes managing those devices a breeze. Sound quality One of the biggest reasons Sony's 1000X series has dominated lists of the best headphones over the years is their sound. These cans have always provided powerful, precise, full-frequency sound, with plenty of detail. The XM6 are no exception. What these new cans bring to the table are subtle improvements in clarity, especially through the midrange — traditionally the hardest part of the frequency spectrum to achieve additional detail. You can think of it as peeling back another layer of onion skin. When Sony introduced the XM5, it shifted slightly away from the XM4's bass-forward balance to a more neutral tuning. Curiously, even though the XM6 is a twin to the XM5 when it comes to sound signature, that added level of detail and nuance helps low-end bass feel tighter. It's not more prominent — again, the balance is almost identical — but you can hear the improvement in separation from the lower mids. Sony offers a variety of EQ presets and customization options in the Sound Connect app as well as its 'Find My EQ' personalization test, but I ignored them all — the company's factory tuning is that good. All of this to say, if you like the XM5, I think you'll like the XM6 even more when listening critically, particularly if you have an Android phone and take advantage of Sony's LDAC Bluetooth codec. And if you've never tried any of Sony's flagship headphones, prepare yourself to be wowed. They've always been a top-notch choice, and the XM6 are the best so far. The one thing I wish Sony had included is USB Audio. In this price range, it's nearly ubiquitous — even Apple added it to the AirPods Max, and that company has a track record of being slow to adopt new tech. USB Audio would give the XM6 a truly lossless connection with support for hi-res audio up to whatever Sony's built-in DAC can handle (likely 24-bit/96kHz or better). For such a great-sounding set of cans, this feels like a real oversight. Spatial audio New for the XM6 is the ability to spatialize any stereo sound using the Sound Connect app's listening mode settings. Sony calls it 360 Reality Audio Upmixing and has decided that it should be all about making video content more immersive. It even calls the spatial audio mode 'Cinema.' Despite the name, it works on any audio — not just movies or TV — and in typical Sony fashion, it's masterfully executed. The soundstage opens up, getting wider, deeper, and even a little taller, and there's a greater sense of spatial separation between audio elements like vocals and instruments. Most importantly, Sony's processing mostly avoids the unpleasant level changes that lesser spatial systems often produce. In the worst versions, bass can become smeared, and vocals lose much of their presence. Sony's Cinema keeps things focused. Stereo purists aren't going to love it — there's no avoiding the sensation that you're listening to processed sound — but if you dig that more immersive sound, Sony's version is a lot of fun. Sadly, iPhone users will have to satisfy themselves with a 'static' spatial presentation. The XM6's head tracking is only enabled via Android 13 or higher. For music, I don't think it matters. For Sony's cinematic ambitions, however, head tracking is the key that unlocks the sensation of sitting in a home theater. It keeps the relative position of each virtual 5.1 speaker locked in space — turning your head makes it feel like you've turned away from the central source of dialogue right in front of you. It's not as effective as Apple's version using the combo of an iPhone or Apple TV 4K with a set of AirPods Max or AirPods Pro, and it's currently limited to just a few services like Netflix and YouTube. Noise cancellation and transparency Active noise cancelling (ANC) on the XM5 is already excellent. In fact, the only headphones that can beat them are Bose's QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. For the XM6, Sony went all out to change that ranking, giving the new cans more microphones (12 vs 8) and seven times faster ANC processing. These changes give the XM6 an edge over their predecessors, and I'd even go so far as to say that in certain circumstances, where external noises tend to be highly variable, they do a slightly better job than the QuietComfort Ultra. But for pure, brute-force destruction of constant droning sounds like in an airplane cabin or on public transit, the QuietComfort Ultra still reign supreme. However, if you're very sensitive to ANC side effects (some people report an unpleasant, sucking sensation), you may be better off with the WH-1000XM6. Sony's ANC system may not cancel quite as much noise as Bose's, but it's also gentler on your ears. Transparency mode is also excellent, giving you a nearly perfect reproduction of the outside world. Are the WH-1000XM6 better than the AirPods Max and QuietComfort Ultra? No, but you may still prefer Sony's version, which slightly boosts the higher frequencies associated with speech, instead of going for a completely natural passthrough. I think what I like most about Sony's ANC and transparency is how quickly you can shift between them — it's nearly instant. You can also turn on Sony's Speak-to-Chat feature, which switches to transparency mode automatically when it detects you speaking. It's very clever but your mileage may vary: I couldn't find a setting that reliably detected my voice without being triggered by false positives like clearing my throat. Call quality At the risk of sounding repetitive, calling on the WH-1000XM6 is also a subtle improvement over the XM5, which were already pretty darn great. I'd say the biggest difference is that the XM6 preserve more of your voice's natural sound. There's better tonality and less sibilance on all of those ess-sounds. The XM6's ability to cancel background noise remains top-notch. Your callers will likely never know you're walking past a construction site. For the first time, Sony has added a mic muting option, which is very handy. Just keep in mind that your phone app probably won't reflect these mode changes (the iPhone doesn't), so you'll have to remember which mode you're in. You can switch to transparency mode at any time to hear your own voice more clearly and Sony includes a specific voice boost option in the app to help with that if you need it. The only wireless headphones that are better for calls are JBL's Tour One M3. Battery life This might be the one area where Sony has made no improvements at all. Playtime with ANC on is rated at 30 hours and 40 when it's off. One minute of charging buys you an extra hour of operation, but a full charge still takes about 3.5 hours. Does it matter? I doubt it. When it comes to battery life, more is always better, but I think most folks can get through 99% of their lives on 40 hours or less. The one big improvement is that you can now charge and use the XM6 simultaneously, something no previous 1000X series can do. Extras The XM6 are the first of their kind to support Auracast, which is great. Unfortunately, it requires manually shifting to LE Audio within the Sound Connect app, then switching to the Android Bluetooth menu to find and connect to a local Auracast broadcast, which is a pain in the butt. Also, iPhone users are out of luck. This is disappointing to me. Much like Sony's spatial audio feature, it feels like a half-measure. Moreover, we know that better is possible — JBL's Tour One M3 suffers from none of these limitations. Sony has given its Adaptive Sound Control feature (which turns ANC on/off based on activity) a boost with its new scenes feature. You select from different scenes like running or going to the gym, and then choose the time and place associated with these activities and what you'd like to listen to (on an iPhone, your choices are Apple Music, Spotify, or Endel). I appreciate that Sony wants to build some intelligence into the listening experience, but I don't find these features especially useful. Conclusion Sony's WH-1000XM6 are a meaningful upgrade from the company's WH-1000XM5, and take their place as the best overall wireless headphones I've ever tested. They're not perfect — no USB audio, a bizarrely awkward Auracast setup, and spatial audio that can only be used to its fullest on Android, are drawbacks that must be considered, especially given that Sony has increased the price of its flagship cans to $450. I acknowledge that none of these issues stopped me or anyone I know from enjoying the XM5, and in all of the other areas that matter (sound, ANC, design, and comfort), the XM6 are a stellar choice. Bose is still better overall for noise canceling, but the XM6's real competition comes from its own predecessor. Now that Sony has discounted the XM5, and will likely keep prices low until it runs out of stock, you'd be well advised to consider that model before buying.
