Sony has unveiled the latest iteration of its flagship Truly Wireless Headphones, the WF-1000XM4, offering numerous improvements over its well-loved predecessor.
Even clearer sound, even less noise
WF-1000XM4 delivers industry-leading noise cancellation, now made even better. That’s thanks to the new Integrated Processor V1 that takes the performance of the acclaimed QN1e chip even further. All while using less power.
Using one feedforward, and one feedback microphone, ambient noise is heard and analyzed for highly accurate noise cancellation. It uses newly-designed 6mm drivers with a 20% increase in magnet volume, improving noise-canceling capabilities by generating a high-precision cancellation signal to the low frequency range.
The new Noise Isolation Earbud Tips offer improved fit and are made from a unique polyurethane foam material that’s soft and elastic, maximizing the surface contact area between the earbud tip and the ear canal. This eliminates gaps to insulate sound and reduce noise, and also improves adhesion to the ear canal for a stable fit.
Windy days? no problem. The WF-1000XM4 boasts an Automatic Wind Noise Reduction mode which detects when it’s windy and automatically suppresses the noise.
Exceptional sound quality
WF-1000XM4 now supports High-Resolution Audio Wireless, thanks to LDAC, Sony’s industry-adopted audio coding technology. LDAC transmits approximately three times more data (at the maximum transfer rate of 990 kbps) when compared to conventional Bluetooth audio.
Via Edge-AI, DSEE Extreme (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) upscales compressed digital music files in real time. It dynamically recognizes instrumentation, musical genres, and individual elements of each song, such as vocals or interludes, and restores the high-range sound lost in compression.
An even smarter listening experience
The speak-to-chat feature is now available on the WF-1000XM4, and lets you have short conversations without taking out the earbuds. As soon as you speak to someone, speak-to-chat automatically pauses playback and lets in ambient sound so you can conduct a conversation, and then immediately resumes playback when once you’re done conversing
If you want to listen to something very briefly, simply place your finger over the left earbud to instantly decrease the volume instantly and let ambient sound in.
WF-1000XM4 also features Adaptive Sound Control, which automatically adjusts ambient sound settings depending on where you are and what you are doing. You can even have it learn to recognize places you frequently visit such as your office, the gym, or your favorite cafe, and tailor fits the sound to suite the scenario.
Using a proximity sensor that detects when you are wearing one or both earbuds, taking out the earbuds automatically stops playback and resumes when you put them on back again.
Enjoy superior call quality
Hands-free calls are even better on the WF-1000XM4 thanks to Precise Voice Pickup Technology combined with the microphones and a bone-conduction sensor. Beamforming microphones are calibrated to only pick up sounds from your mouth. They’ll catch every word, even there’s lots of noise around you. Noise Cancelling also adds to your call experience, allowing you to hear the person on the other end clearly.
An even better fit
Using the Headphones Connect App, you can now find the right earbud tips to use with a few simple measurements. This ensures maximum sound quality and minimum outside noise.
WF-1000XM4 is smaller and lighter, but with no compromises. The earphones themselves are 10% smaller than the previous generation, without compromising on sound quality or battery life. They are light weight, making them a perfect companion for long days out and about. The charging case is also 40% smaller.
Better Bluetooth for Uninterrupted Viewing
WF-1000XM4 is also great for watching TV shows, movies, and more. The advanced wireless connection syncs what you see on screen precisely with what you hear on your headphones for a more enjoyable viewing with low latency.
The optimization of the transmission algorithm with the Integrated Processor V1 has made the connection more stable and less prone to sound skipping, even in an environment where there is interference.
Experience impressive battery life and truly wireless charging
Enjoy up to 8 hours of use with a single charge, and a further 16 hours with the charging case. In a hurry? a 5-minute charging time gives you up to 60 minutes of playback, and the Sony Headphones Connect App will notify you when the battery level in your charging case drops below 30%.
A feature that a lot have been asking for is finally here. The WF-1000XM4 supports Qi wireless charging. You can even use a smartphone with Qi technology, like the latest Xperia model with the battery share feature to charge both your headphones and the charging case.
Water resistance
WF-1000XM4 boasts an IPX4 water resistance rating, which means splashes and sweat won’t stop you from enjoying your music. Whether you’re running for the bus in the rain, or sat in a cozy office, these headphones will have your back.
Easy pairing & voice assistant capabilities
Get hands-free help – just say “Hey Google” or “Alexa” to activate your preferred voice assistant. Enjoy entertainment, connect with friends, get information, listen to music, get notifications, set reminders, and more.
WF-1000XM4 also support Google’s Fast Pair feature. In one tap, it enables quick, effortless Bluetooth pairing with your Android devices. Google’s Fast Pair feature lets you easily locate your headphones and also lets you know when you’ve left the device on and how much battery remains. The headphones also feature Microsoft Swift Pair, which makes it easy to connect with Windows 10 devices.
The earbuds utilize touch control settings for quick and easy control over your listening experience. You can active Noise Cancellation, Ambient Sound, Quick Attention mode, or simply skip, pause or play songs.
Better for the environment
WF-1000XM4’s packaging is plastic-free and is designed based on low toxicity design principles and a ‘Made to be remade’ philosophy that’s more socially responsible. 99% of the paper packaging, except the labels, is produced using recycled and sustainable materials developed specifically for Sony.
Immerse yourself in sound
360 Reality Audio, an immersive audio experience, can be enjoyed on the WF-1000XM4 headphones when used with an Android Smartphone/iPhone that has a participating streaming service app installed. 360 Reality Audio listening experience immerses you in the music as if you are right in front of your favorite artist. Listeners can enjoy a custom immersive musical field that is perfectly optimized for each individual user when using the WF-1000XM4 headphones and the Sony Headphones Connect app.
The retail package includes 3 sizes of Noise Isolation Earbud Tips, as well as a USB-C charging cable.
Availability
The WF-1000XM4 will come in two colors – Black and Silver, and will be available in the Philippines soon. Stay tuned for the pre-order promo announcement.
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Emman has been writing technical and feature articles since 2010. Prior to this, he became one of the instructors at Asia Pacific College in 2008, and eventually landed a job as Business Analyst and Technical Writer at Integrated Open Source Solutions for almost 3 years.
