Rumors about the Sony WH-1000XM4, successors to the best headphones we've tested, have multiplied in recent months, peaking when a leaked listing from Walmart seems to describe all the new headphones' specs. While Sony has yet to confirm the existence of the XM4s, Walmart's listing has revealed the kind of changes (or lack thereof) we can expect from the Sony WH-1000XM3. Now, normally, we'd expect a brand to make significant changes when it releases a successor to its latest pair of headphones. In this case, however, we're relieved that Sony hasn't played too hard with its advanced noise-cancelling headphones. Instead, it looks like the company is making some very thoughtful changes to the XM3, which could really improve the user experience without detracting from a winning design. As they say, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".
What's new with the Sony WH-1000XM4?
According to the leaked list, one of these tweaks is the ability to connect more than one audio source to the headphones at the same time; Multi-point pairing is something XM3 users demand, and it will allow you to pair the WH-1000XM4 with your laptop and smartphone at the same time. There should also be a slight improvement in sound quality. A feature known as "Edge-AI" can restore lost detail in highly compressed audio files by enhancing them in real time, which Sony says provides sound "as close to a 'wired' connection as possible." considered inferior to their wired counterparts in terms of audio fidelity, so this setup is likely to appease audiophiles who haven't yet committed to cutting the cord.Overall connectivity should also be improved as Sony switches from Bluetooth 4.2 to Bluetooth 5, providing faster pairing times, connectivity over longer distances, and stronger pairing in high-traffic areas.What remains the same?
Other than these minor tweaks and updates, the new XM4s appear to be very similar to their predecessors. It looks like there won't be any major design changes to the Sony WH-1000XM4, which we think is a great thing. We loved the comfort of the XM3, with large padded earcups and a soft headband. They looked great too, with a sleek, minimalist build that appealed to a wide range of people, and we liked the touchpad controls, another returning feature. Sound quality is not expected to change substantially either, aside from this AI scaling feature that will help limit data loss from highly compressed files. Judging by the leaked listing, the XM4s will use the same 40mm drivers as their predecessors and support Sony's LDAC transmission technology, and since the XM3s are among the loudest headphones on the planet, we're glad. see that the audio profile hasn't changed too much. Some may be disappointed to find there's no battery life improvement, but at 30 hours of power, the Sony WH-1000XM3 wasn't exactly short-lived. Plus, with the return of USB-C fast charging, the XM4s shouldn't take too long to charge.A thoughtful approach
Sony is used to making meticulous changes to its products with each update, and that's something we've already seen with the brand's 1000X noise canceling range. It's a great way to build confidence in the products, and gives us confidence that each new update will bring really useful updates, rather than deep design changes that don't really improve the product. experience using headphones. Sony couldn't be subtle with its updates to the 1000X series if the original product wasn't so good, and in a market where every company is trying to outdo each other with catchy features like gestures and built-in AI controls (like the TicPods Pro 2), it's a risky move to let the sound, feel and appearance of the headphones speak for themselves. This is especially true with Apple's first headphones that seem to launch in a few weeks and shake up the headphone market. Trends (or gadgets, if you prefer) like virtual 3D audio, bone conduction, and crazy form factors (see: Bose boxes) may come and go, but we don't think there's a time where people won't. You want a pair of great sound-cancelling headphones that get the job done with minimal noise. I hope that's exactly what Sony's WH-1000XM4 will do when it finally launches, and with this recent leak, it's only a matter of time before we can get our hands on them and find out for ourselves. Can't wait until then? Check out the best Sony WH-1000XM3 deals we found today: Today's best Sony WH-1000XM3 deals Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless... Sony Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless... Sony WH-1000XM3/S Wireless...
Sony WH1000XM3/B Wireless...