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| Sony responds to AirPods Pro with WF-1000XM4 |
Several weeks after the news was announced, Sony officially launched its latest wireless noise-canceling headphones, the WF-1000XM4, with LDAC and IPX4 waterproof capabilities.
This headset is aimed squarely at the high-end and truly emerging wireless markets, and its compact frame has a number of features.
The new WF-1000XM4 headphones are priced at $279.99, while the WF-1000XM3 headphones previously released in 2019 are still in the company's range for $229.99.
The new speakers are available in black or light gray, 1000XM4 adopts a new design, 10% smaller than the previous generation.
According to Sony, the 1000XM4 headset is also equipped with a new processing chip that can improve noise cancellation at all frequencies.
The new chip is known as the integrated V1 processor, which along with hardware improvements and a pair of noise-sensitive microphones, improves performance on each earbud.
Sony offers a transparent mode called Ambient Sound Control here. When you want to know more about your surroundings, this mode blends outside noise with the content you're reading.
Sony released WF-1000XM4:
After activating the NC, the battery life was increased to eight hours of continuous use. It outperforms competitors like AirPods Pro, QuietComfort headphones, and Galaxy Buds Pro.
The charging case has been significantly reduced in size, becoming 40% smaller than before. In addition to connecting via USB-C, it also supports Qi wireless charging.
Sony said it can provide 16 hours of battery life on a full charge. A 5-minute charge can give you about an hour of uptime.
Sony estimates battery life at 8 hours per charge (active noise cancellation) and 12 hours without a charge.
Sony has also fixed issues that have been around since the 1000XM3. The quality of the new earplugs is IPX4 waterproof and sweat-resistant.
The 1000XM4 also features an updated audio communication system that uses beam-forming microphones and bone conduction sensors to improve performance.
However, multi-party Bluetooth connections are still not supported.