Latest news with #SoundConnect
CNA
2 days ago
- CNA
Sony WH-1000XM6 review: Silence done smarter, thanks to AI
The XM6 continues the clean understated design and matt finish of its predecessors. The XM6's earcups fold and swivel inwards – a feature that was dropped with the XM5. While this helps save space in your bag, the carrying case is still relatively large. There are two physical buttons, one for power and one to switch between ANC and transparency mode. The earcup hinge feels solidly constructed and the headband is firm. DESIGN AND COMFORT The XM6 weighs 254g with sturdy hinges. Cushioning on the earcups felt thin but remained comfortable. In non-airconditioned rooms, the earcups warmed up rapidly and I began to sweat – a peril of using over-ears in our climate. While the headband is relatively broad, it started feeling uncomfortable for me after about two hours of constant use. Not all users will experience this though. My wife used them for several hours at a stretch and didn't experience any discomfort. CONTROLS The right earcup features responsive capacitive controls. Slide your finger up and down the earcup to control volume. Swiping left and right lets you cycle through tracks. Covering the right earcup with your hand cuts the volume and activates ambient mode. This lets you quickly hear an announcement on the train or listen to what your better half is trying to tell you. The Sound Connect app lets users tweak the sound of the headphones. It includes options like adaptive sound control, EQ options and cinema mode. CAVEATS As good as it is, there are some niggles with the WH-1000XM5. It's 30-hour battery life with ANC on is good, but not great. Some premium rivals offer longer battery life. It also lacks an ingress protection (IP) rating, so don't wear these in the rain. It's also not the most affordable pair of ANC headphones, although Sony is currently offering a trade-in programme worth up to S$150 for certain Sony models. HOW IT STACKS UP The Sony WH-1000XM5 (S$649) is a capable all-rounder offering great noise cancelling and audio quality for various genres of music and movies. It is pricey, though you do get a lot for the money.
Daily Record
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Sony unveils 'next level' noise cancelling headphones created by Taylor Swift's sound engineer
Sony claims the WH-1000XM6 headphones, endorsed by music star Post Malone, are "the most advanced noise cancelling yet" Noise cancelling headphones have become all the rage over the last few years. The headphones help people block out noise when studying, exercising, or simply enjoying a bit of peace and quiet. Devices which claim to be noise cancelling can sometimes be deceiving. Users may only clock this when they are out in public and realise their favourite podcast or song is - you guessed it - interrupted by background chatter. However, Sony has just announced the WH-1000XM6 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones which claim to be its "most advanced yet" and will even "block distractions before they reach you". The headphones were co-created by world-renowned mastering engineers at three of the industry top recording studios including Randy Merrill, who has worked with music icons like Taylor Swift, Adele, and Ed Sheeran. The mastering engineer from Sterling Studio praised the headphones, saying: "Sony has always been a benchmark for premium quality, and the WH-1000XM6 headphones take it to a new level. "They transport me to a different world with their excellent bass, frequency response, soundstage and detail. They truthfully represent the sounds of the recordings that we work so hard to make." So, what are all the features of the WH-1000XM6? Sony's new Adaptive NC Optimizer adjusts to any form of external noise and air pressure, meaning "unmatched noise cancelling precision". Auto Ambient Sound mode is even better at adapting to your surroundings in real time, balancing music and external sound, while multiple microphones filter noise or let in what matters. This could be announcements, conversations, or simply the world around you. Users can adjust settings automatically or fine-tune them manually in the Sony | Sound Connect app. Gamers can also enjoy the Game EQ to enhance sound quality for FPS gaming. And for those watching movies on the go, 360 Reality Audio Upmix for Cinema brings spatial sound experience to make you feel like you're in a movie theatre. Making calls? Your voice will be isolated from background noise so you are always heard even when others are talking. If you need to mute, you can do it instantly, via the button right on your headphones. If you're concerned about comfort, a soft fit wider headband infused with vegan leather should make for a pressure-free fit. And the asymmetrical headband design makes it easy to identify the left and right side with just a glance. In fact, the earpads are designed for all-day wear thanks to stretchable material that provides a secure yet gentle fit to reduce pressure. The earphones also slip seamlessly into bags and airplane pockets and boast a compact case that now features a magnetic closure for easy access. The headphones connect to top streaming services including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music, and switching between devices is "seamless," so you can stay connected without interruption. Charging these devices is always a thought, but with the WH-1000XM6, you can listen and charge all at once. Need to keep going when the battery is low? Plug in the USB charging cable and keep listening to your favourite tunes. On the go? Three minutes in the socket gives you up to three hours of charge - a timeframe not to be sniffed at. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. Global superstar Post Malone has even thrown his weight behind the gadget. "Great sound is essential for me when I'm making and listening to music," said the Sunflower singer. "These new noise cancelling headphones make you feel completely inside the music" The WH-1000XM6 are available in Black, Platinum Silver and Midnight Blue from May 23, 2025, and retail at £399.
