Sony's Premium Headphones Get AI and Audio Sharing Upgrades

Sony Noise-Canceling Headphones Add Audio Sharing, AI Assistance

Sony's 6.0.0 update for the headphones and 3.0.0 update for the earbuds bring audio sharing with Fast Pair, support for Google's Gemini Live AI assistant and digital assistant and head-tracking features when connected to Bluetooth LE Audio. Google Find Hub also allows each earbud to be located individually, and there are security updates for both products. For the new features to work after the firmware update is applied, they must be re-paired to a smartphone. These features will be most useful to those pairing these audio products with newer Android smartphones, including Samsung Galaxy and Pixel models. iPhones don't support some LE Audio features. Rumors suggest Sony may soon release a new version of the earbuds, the WF-1000XM6. The market for headphones in general, especially those offering features like noise cancellation and smart assistants, is booming, and sales are expected to double by 2032 to $114.81 billion globally.

The excellent Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones have just got even better

Gemini Live and Audio Sharing through Fast Pair arrive on Sony's premium cans What's happened? Sony has begun rolling out a firmware update to its premium WH-1000XM6 headphones, with two new key features being added; support for Gemini Live and audio sharing through Fast Pair, according to a report by Android Authority. Audio sharing through Fast Pair allows the headphones to connect to multiple devices linked to the same Google account simultaneously (so you could have them connected to your phone, tablet and laptop and seamlessly switch audio between them). Gemini Live enables a naturalistic conversational experience with Gemini (Google's generative AI), allowing users to chat back and forth in a natural ways. The same features are also being added to the Sony WF-1000XM5 wireless earbuds. Why is it important? The update is significant as it bridges audio experience and AI, with seamless listening between devices and AI assistance make audio listening an extraordinary experience. With Fast Pair and shared-audio, Sony is making its best headphones and earbuds even more powerful. Audio sharing allows for easier viewing, listening or enjoyment of media across your devices. Gemini Live is an improvement in the assistant experience, providing voice interaction with a conversational tone. Recommended Videos Why should I care? Sony delivering new features to existing products is a positive step, giving you more value from your purchase, and potentially setting up the buds and cans for more upgrades in the future. If you already own a pair of WH-1000XM6 or WF-1000XM5 then lucky you, your headphones are now more powerful. You don't have to pay anything enjoy these features; they come via free software updates. Whether you're watching a movie with a friend, sharing a podcast or just enjoying smarter voice assistance while driving, these updates bring more convenience. What's next? It's time to update your headphones. The update is now available. While this is a free over-the-air update which has been pushed to devices, it might take a while for it to rollout out to all users worldwide, so keep an eye out on the Sony Headphones Connect app (download it from your phone's app store if you haven't already). Sony WF-1000XM5 $249 BrandsMart USA Sony WH-1000XM6 $448 Amazon

Sony WH-1000XM5/6 adds Gemini Live, Fast Pair audio share

Sony updates WH-1000XM6 headphones and WF-1000XM5 earbuds with Gemini Live AI assistant and Fast Pair audio sharing support. The firmware enables natural, conversational interactions with Gemini Live and allows simultaneous audio streaming to multiple devices using Fast Pair, aligning Sony's devices with Android 16's audio sharing features. Sony is deploying a software update for its flagship WH-1000XM6 headphones and WF-1000XM5 earbuds. The new firmware introduces support for the Gemini Live artificial intelligence assistant and audio sharing capabilities via Fast Pair, aligning the products with recent Android 16 features. The update for the WF-1000XM5 was first brought to public attention by a Discord user with the handle "winner00." Subsequently, the version 3.0 update for the WH-1000XM6 was independently spotted. Official changelogs for both devices confirm the inclusion of Gemini Live support and the Fast Pair audio sharing function as part of the new software package. Integration of Gemini Live enables users to engage in more natural, back-and-forth conversations with the AI. This functionality is engineered to facilitate a conversational experience directly through the audio devices, moving beyond the more traditional, single-command interactions with digital assistants. The feature aims to provide a fluid dialogue between the user and the AI. The second key feature, audio sharing via Fast Pair, permits users to broadcast audio to multiple devices at the same time. This function is an extension of Google's Audio Share technology, which has the capacity to stream a single audio source to up to 20 compatible devices simultaneously. The Fast Pair protocol simplifies the connection process by automatically detecting nearby devices and prompting the user to initiate sharing, which circumvents the need for manual pairing. Google's Audio Share feature was first introduced on Pixel phones running the Android 16 operating system, specifically for the Pixel 8 and newer models. The technology relies on specific hardware capabilities in the receiving audio devices, which must support Auracast broadcasting, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and Bluetooth version 5.3 or higher to function correctly. While Google's implementation is currently limited to its Pixel line, other electronics manufacturers are adopting comparable solutions. Xiaomi has integrated Auracast support into its flagship smartphones. Separately, Samsung continues to offer its proprietary Dual Audio feature, which allows for the connection of two pairs of earphones to a single device without requiring Auracast or BLE technologies. Following the installation of this update, owners of the Sony WH-1000XM6 and WF-1000XM5 can now leverage these new audio sharing capabilities within the Android ecosystem. This allows for sharing music or streaming content with friends and family using compatible hardware.

Sony's best noise cancelling headphones are now even better - here's why | Stuff

Sony brings Audio Sharing with Fast Pair and Google Gemini Live to the WF-1000XM5 earbuds and WH-100XM6 noise-cancelling headphones Sony's WF-1000XM5 wireless earbuds and WH-100XM6 noise-cancelling headphones are among the finest in their respective classes, and now Sony is adding two new features to edge them closer to audio perfection. Thanks to a new firmware update available now, both models are receiving support for audio sharing and support for the Google Gemini Live AI assistant. The update, which can be downloaded now through the Sony Sound Connect companion app, unlocks Audio Sharing with Fast Pair. On supported Android devices, it means the audio can be shared with two pairs of compatible wireless headphones. As a proponent of sharing wired earbuds in the days of yore, I can appreciate how much easier this makes sharing your favourite tunes with a friend, using their own set of earbuds or headphones. It'll also be possible to create a private group with a QR code, which invitees with a compatible set of headphones can enjoy too. Can anyone say silent disco? It's all possible thanks to the Bluetooth LE Audio Auracast feature on Android.You will need a newer Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy or OnePlus phone supporting Bluetooth LE Audio to capitalise. Google announced in September it was bringing the feature to select Sony headphones models and that roll out is now underway. Furthermore, the conversational Google Gemini Live assistant is entering the chat. If you haven't tried Gemini Live yet, it might change the way you think of AI assistants for its human-like chats that impart knowledge on a subject of your choosing with remarkable respect for context. Both features are a nice bonus for Sony fans who've snapped up the flagship noise cancelling audio devices. The over-ear Sony WH-1000XM6 earned another five-star review from Stuff.tv when they arrived in May 2025. Our reviewer praised the "return of foldability, superb sound, and jaw-dropping ANC performance." The Sony WF-1000XM5 have been around a couple of years now and they raised the bar for noise cancelling earbuds once again. Given Apple just released the AirPods Pro 3, Sony's update comes at an opportune time.