As reported by Mishaal Rahman (via 9to5Google), Sony is rolling out new firmware updates to its WH-1000XM5 over-ear headphones (version 2.3.1), WF-1000XM5 wireless earbuds (version 4.0.2), and the LinkBuds S (version 4.2.1). These updates are blessing the devices with Google’s Find My Device feature and Auto Switch. The buds are also getting Fast Pair functionality.
With Apple’s AirPods supporting iOS’ Find My functionality and the case for the AirPods Pro and AirPods 4 (with ANC) including a speaker to play alerts, it was about time Google extended its support to some of the best headphones and earbuds on the market. Hopefully, it’s going to become a lot easier to find your earbuds when you inevitably misplace them in between the couch cushions.
Auto Switch is also coming to all three devices. Sony just introduced this feature on the recently released LinkBuds line, which includes the LinkBuds Open, the LinkBuds Fit wireless buds, and the LinkBuds portable speaker. Auto Switch allows you to seamlessly swap playback between different devices. If you’re listening to music on Sony headphones and turn them off at any point, the sound will automatically be transferred to an Auto-Switch-enabled speaker. And if you decide to wear your headphones again, it will switch back to your ears.
It reminds me of the audio swap feature Sonos experimented with on its debut over-ear headphones, Sonos Ace, and its soundbar, Sonos Arc. Sony’s taking a much wiser approach by not limiting the integration to just a $900 flagship soundbar, for which Sonos received a fair amount of criticism.
The WF-1000XM5s are the only device out of the three to receive Fast Pair functionality over Bluetooth LE Audio, the latest Bluetooth generation introducing Auracast. Fast Pair support means Android users on the Sony buds will see a little pop-up appear on their phones when they bring the two devices in close proximity. This is similar to what Apple offers on its AirPods to encourage users to stay within its ecosystem.
Sony also renamed its companion app from Headphones Connect to Sound Connect and gave the app icon a complete revamp. 9to5Google lists three changes within the app. First, the My Device tab now features settings and a shortcut option so you can quickly navigate to the functions you most use. The Discover tab will be able to notify you of features you should enable using data on how you use the device. Lastly, the Auto Play function, which previously had a dedicated app of its own, is now integrated into the Sound Connect app.
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