When BGR recently released its extensive review of Apple’s AirPods Pro 3, we didn’t anticipate that Sony’s newly refreshed WF-100XM6 wireless earbuds would prove to be a formidable rival, but here we are. The latest iteration of Sony’s earbuds enhances the previous model in terms of noise cancellation and call functionality, features reengineered audio, improved Bluetooth connectivity, a more user-friendly design, and incorporates Google Gemini’s AI. In essence, Sony not only provides earbuds that assert to match most of the features of AirPods but also addresses Apple’s most significant current shortcoming: the absence of effective AI assistant integration.
As per a Sony press announcement (via PR Newswire), the new WF-100XM6 wireless earbuds boast a design aimed at enhancing comfort during extended use. The company has also managed to make the earbuds 11% slimmer than the prior version, attributing this to a new ventilation system that minimizes the impact of internal noises generated by the body during quiet moments or low-volume play.
Another critical enhancement with this version is the upgraded Bluetooth antenna, which is 1.5 times larger than that of the previous generation. Sony anticipates that this will bolster performance in various scenarios while also extending the connectivity range between the earbuds and a smartphone or smartwatch. Additionally, Sony included Bluetooth LE Audio specifications in this product.
Sony claims to deliver the best ANC in the industry.
When Apple debuted the AirPods Pro 3, it asserted that these earbuds could cancel noise at twice the efficiency of the second-generation AirPods Pro. In contrast, Sony claims the WF-1000XM6 enhances noise reduction by an additional 25% over its predecessor. Users will particularly notice this enhancement in real-world settings like cafés, public transit, or while using rideshare services. This advancement is attributed to the new QN3e HD Noise Cancelling Processor, which incorporates multiple microphones and Sony’s proprietary algorithm alongside its integrated V2 Processor and an Adaptive Noise Cancelling Optimizer. Furthermore, Sony’s redesigned earbuds are also expected to enhance the seal between the earbuds and the wearer’s ears.
In terms of sound, Sony’s new audio technology promises richer bass and clearer high frequencies compared to the older model. The company is also promoting Hi-Res Audio Wireless, a standard that delivers audio quality surpassing CD standards. Consequently, Sony claims its earbuds are capable of transmitting more data for fuller sound reproduction. Although Sony can’t achieve lossless audio compression over Bluetooth, this standard is superior to Apple’s AAC; theoretically, this suggests that these Sony earbuds may deliver higher sound quality than Apple’s AirPods.
Sony also mentions collaboration with audio engineers who’ve worked with stars such as Ed Sheeran, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga to create an even more premium audio experience in this new version of its earbuds. The company asserts that these earbuds are perfect for making and receiving calls, as their microphones, in conjunction with AI, work to pick up the user’s voice more effectively and ensure that speech remains clear even in noisy settings.
Gemini Live is also a crucial component of Sony’s earbuds.
Sony already touts exceptional sound quality, up to eight hours of battery life on a single charge, and up to 24 hours with the charging case. However, there’s another significant feature available with these $329 earbuds: Gemini support.
According to Sony, with the integration of Gemini Live, users can initiate a conversation with Gemini by saying “Hey Gemini.” Upon prompting, it activates Live Mode, which can assist users in learning more about landmarks, completing tasks, or even organizing thoughts. Just as one would expect from a capable personal assistant, Gemini adapts to the user’s style, allowing interruptions, rephrasing of queries, and follow-up questions, much like having a dialogue with a person.
When linked to your phone, Google also enables you to capture photos, send screenshots, and more to facilitate task completion. Thanks to the enhanced speech detection in Sony’s earbuds, communicating with Gemini should feel seamless. The new WF-1000XM6 wireless earbuds from Sony are now up for purchase in Black and Platinum Silver variations. These earbuds also feature IPX4 water resistance and the ability to connect to multiple devices simultaneously.