Spatial Audio is Now Available on Sony’s 1000XM5 Headphones

Sony is taking swift action to ensure that owners of its WH-1000XM5 headphones stay up-to-date and don’t miss out on the latest features introduced in the recently launched WF-1000XM5 earbuds. (By the way, the similarity in product names really highlights the quirky side of Sony’s branding choices, don’t you think?) To level the playing field, Sony has rolled out a firmware update for the WH-1000XM5 headphones, bringing them in line with the wireless earbuds by introducing support for head-tracking spatial audio. This exciting addition enhances the listening experience by adjusting the audio based on the user’s head movements, creating a sense of immersion and spaciousness.

However, for this new feature to work seamlessly, you’ll need a phone running Android 13 or later, and dynamic head tracking will only function with compatible video apps. While some may view dynamic head tracking as a non-essential feature, believing it adds little value to video content consumption, others appreciate the sense of immersion it brings to the right movies. However, it’s important to note that availability is contingent on the type of phone you own. Devices like Google Pixels support dynamic head tracking, while Samsung Galaxy devices, with their own ecosystem-exclusive implementation, don’t offer this feature.

But that’s not all Sony has in store for WH-1000XM5 owners. They no longer have to make a difficult choice between multipoint connectivity and LDAC, a high-quality Bluetooth codec. Thanks to the latest firmware update, users can now enjoy both features simultaneously. This means you can maintain a multipoint Bluetooth connection with two devices while indulging in higher-bitrate music from streaming services like Amazon Music and Apple Music. In the past, enabling multipoint would disable LDAC through the Headphones Connect app, but now you can have the best of both worlds, just like with the WF-1000XM5 earbuds.

For audiophiles and music enthusiasts who strive for the utmost audio quality, the ability to use LDAC and multipoint together is a significant and highly welcomed addition. However, it’s worth mentioning that at the moment, this firmware update is available exclusively for the WH-1000XM5 headphones. There’s no indication yet whether Sony plans to extend these enhancements to their M4 or LinkBuds series.

To get your hands on the latest update and unlock these exciting features, all you need is the Sony Headphones Connect app, available for both Android and iOS. Once you’ve paired your WH-1000XM5 headphones and opened the app, the new firmware will be ready for download, bringing a whole new level of functionality and enjoyment to your audio experience. So, whether you’re an avid movie watcher seeking immersive soundscapes or an audiophile craving the finest music quality, Sony’s got you covered with these updates for their flagship headphones.