Sony’s wireless noise-canceling headphones WH-1000XM4 cost 379 euros

Sony has shown the WH-1000XM4, the successor to the WH-1000XM3. The new wireless noise canceling headphones have improved noise canceling and can make two Bluetooth connections at the same time. The headphones will be available later this summer.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 shares many specifications with its predecessor, the new model has 40mm drivers in each shell and a battery life of up to 30 hours. The XM4 model does have a new bluetooth audio soc, so that the wireless headphones can make two bluetooth connections at the same time. The user can switch between one of the two connected bluetooth devices with a single tap on the headphones. If one of the two connected devices is a mobile phone being called, the headset will automatically switch to that phone.

Just like the predecessor, the new model has the HD Noise Canceling Processor QN1, although Sony has used a new algorithm for the WH-1000XM4. As a result, according to the tech company, the new headphones can process the noise canceling in real time, which should better counteract outside noise. The noise canceling of the new model must also be able to better counteract sounds in higher and medium frequency ranges.

To make compressed music sound better, Sony uses DSEE Extreme. This technology was designed by Sony itself and, according to the company, can recognize instruments and ‘separate elements’ of a song. These elements are then restored by the headphones to how they sounded before compression.

The noise canceling of the XM4 should also work more easily in daily use, because the headphones with Adaptive Sound Control now adapt better to the circumstances, according to Sony. For example, while traveling, the XM4 filters out more background noise, to allow more noise while walking. That way, according to Sony, the user knows better what is happening around him or her. Via the Sony Headphones Connect App, users can also indicate which settings should be activated where. For the function, the headphones use the Google Maps API.

The XM4 also gets Speak-to-Chat, where the headphones can recognize the user’s voice and the music stops and allows background noise when the user starts talking. For example, the user can order a cup of coffee without having to take off the headphones, says Sony. If the user does not say anything for thirty seconds, the XM4 starts the music again.

To mute the volume and allow background noise, the user can place his or her right hand on the ear cup. When the user removes the hand, the volume will increase again. This would be useful for saying something briefly or listening to brief announcements. The XM4 also knows when the headphones are removed from the head and can then pause the music.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 has a battery life of up to 30 hours and can be used wirelessly with 10 minutes of charging. The headphones are available in silver and black, cost 379 euros and will be available later this summer.