Stanisland Magazine

Sony unveils successor to flagship headphones with new AI-assisted features

It’s no wonder that Sony‘s headphones are wildly popular, given they produce some of the best headphones on the market. Thanks to its game-changing audio experience, their range just keeps getting better and better.

Today, the Japanese company announced a successor to their Mark 5 model: the WH-1000XM6. Remaining fashionable and slick, I am willing to bet they will become highly sought after

Design Upgrade

Guess what? The hinge is back in exoskeleton fashion. Sony’s flagship headphones now offer greater articulation, allowing their earcups to flex and fold once again. This redesign features a wider, asymmetrical headband designed to reduce temple pressure, and another visual overhaul makes it easier to distinguish between the left and right sides.

Call Quality Improvements

The company claims it can deliver a superior call quality experience, powered by its new AI-assisted beamforming microphones that will isolate background noise from your voice. Its predecessor, the XM5, was already good during live calls and voice message recordings and, in our opinion, is the best WhatsApp-compatible headset.

The Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones

The XM6 commands a heftier price tag at £399 ($450). But, the tech giant insists the price point is justified, thanks to its stunning, best-in-class noise-cancelling sound.

It now features 12 microphones equipped with a new QN3 HD Noise Cancelling Processor, alleged to be 7x faster than the XM5‘s QN1. As an owner of one, was already highly great at what it does. The brand claims that the Adaptive NC Optimiser and Auto Ambient Sound mode will outperform its predecessors.

First Impressions

One user on Reddit user (Consistent_Peanut451) says, the product shows “an improved sense of spaciousness in the sound, and improved detail rendition overall.” He also noted that, “It may look flimsy, but it doesn’t feel flimsy at all.”

READ MORE: Attractive Km5 ‘Hp1’ Headphones Are a Minimalist’s Dream

Another was asked how it compares to other models, one user commented, “Better than the XM5s from my experience so far.

Specifications, Colours and What’s in the Box

This essential piece of gear comes in three colours: Midnight Blue, Black, and Platinum Silver.

The following items, including a USB cable (excluding a power plug), can be found in the box:

• Carrying Case 
• Reference Guide 
• Connection cable (1.2m)
• Warranty Card

The battery charge time is approximately 3.5 hrs, with a battery life of 30 hrs maximum with noise cancellation activated and 40 hrs when off.

The Bluetooth range is expected to be 10 meters running on Version 5.3, supporting audio formats of SBC, AAC, LDAC, and LC3.

Where to Buy and Who Takes Klarna?

Not convinced by the price tag? We got you; Sony offers the WH-1000XM6 at a competitive price of £399 with a 3 year warranty, and an option to pay through instalments via Klarna.

Product Images