According to Mishaal Rahman (from 9to5Google), Sony is launching a new firmware update for its WH-1000XM5 over-ear headphones (version 2.3.1), WF-1000XM5 wireless earbuds (version 4.0.2), and LinkBuds S (version) . 4.2.1). These updates bring Google’s Find My Device functionality and automatic switching to the device. The earphones also get a quick pairing feature.
Now that Apple’s AirPods support iOS’s Find My feature, and the AirPods Pro and AirPods 4 (with ANC) cases include speakers for playing alerts, it’s time for Google to extend its support to some of the best headphones on the market And got earplugs. Hopefully, finding your earbuds will become a lot easier when you inevitably end up putting them between couch cushions.
Automatic switching is also available on all three devices. Sony has just introduced this feature in its recently released LinkBuds series, which includes the LinkBuds Open, LinkBuds Fit wireless headphones, and LinkBuds portable speakers. Auto-switching lets you seamlessly switch playback between devices. If you listen to music on Sony headphones and turn them off at any time, the sound will automatically be transferred to speakers that support auto-switching. If you decide to put the headphones on again, it switches back to your ears.
This reminds me of the audio switching feature Sonos was trying out on its first headphones, sonos aceand its soundbar Sonos Arc. Sony takes a smarter approach Sonos has received its fair share of criticism for not limiting integration to its $900 flagship soundbar.
The WF-1000XM5 is the only one of the three devices to receive quick pairing functionality via Bluetooth LE Audio (the latest Bluetooth) Generation one introduces Auracast. Fast pairing support means Android users on Sony headphones will see a small pop-up window on their phones when they bring the two devices close to each other. This is Similar to what Apple provides with AirPods to encourage users to stay in the ecosystem.
Sony has also renamed its companion app from Headphones Connect to Sound Connect and given the app icon an overhaul. 9to5Google lists three changes within the app. First, the My Device tab now has settings and shortcut options so you can quickly navigate to the features you use most. The Discover tab will use data about how you use your device to notify you of features you should enable. Finally, the autoplay feature, which previously had its own dedicated app, is now integrated into the Sound Connect app.
