Sony WH-1000XM6: 5 things we want from Sony's next wireless ANC headphones

[What Hi-Fi?]

The Award-winning XM5 wireless headphones are unbelievable all-rounders. So how could the next model be made better?

Sony WH-1000XM6: 5 things we want from Sony's next wireless ANC headphones : Read more

 

[swimminggamer]

The Award-winning XM5 wireless headphones are unbelievable all-rounders. So how could the next model be made better?

Sony WH-1000XM6: 5 things we want from Sony's next wireless ANC headphones : Read more

How about getting some more basic functions right.

1) Better water proofing. At the price point the warning card not to sweat on them or they might break is laughable. Hope you have air conditioning and don't plan on going out in the rain.
2) Better Bluetooth connectivity especially for connection to PCs. The current model only has one Bluetooth antenna on the left ear and Sony's help documentation warns that it might not work if there is a human body or other materials between the antenna and the Bluetooth device, so if your computer is on the right side of you and under your desk it won't work.
3) Better inclusive design and more flexible. The top bar presses into your head and after a while it can get pretty uncomfortable. You can't move the position other than it being on the top of your head. Don't even think about using them with a helmet. If culturally you are wearing any headdress like a pagri Sony's engineers are not considering you. I imagine certain haircuts might also struggle.
4) PS5 integration. I can live with having to use the minijack cable to connect the headphones to my controller but if I do the mic doesn't work. All those mics and none of them can be used for voice during gaming. Two premium Sony products that don't work together.
5) Charging - Options for additional battery and charging in case. I'm carrying around that big thing already. It would be cool if when I'm not using my headphones and I put them back in the case to have the case rapid charge them instead of having to carry another battery. Level it up and give me wireless in case charging for the case battery and for the headphones.

 

[Forbin42]

The WH-1000XM3 had AptX. They dropped it for the XM4s and XM5s. Would be nice to get it back.

 

[Smokejumper]

Anyone noticed that the membranes keeps shrinking?
The XM4 has 40mm membranes and the XM5 has 30mm membranes.
And for $399 I would expect walnut cups and not plastic.

 

[Pino]

I can't be the only one who finds the sound that plays when adjusting the volume on Sony's current noise-canceling headphones really annoying. It totally ruins the listening experience. Adding an option to turn off this sound would be a great improvement for the next generation, the XM6. Sony needs to understand that uninterrupted listening is what we really want.

 

[Lieutenant Barclay]

#1 - Volume +/- buttons. I hate how everything is touch. It's OK on a screen when you have visual feedback but not on the side of my face. Please just give me two more measly physical buttons or, at least, allow the app (read #4) to relegate the two existing button functions (PWR and NC on/off) to long-press and make volume + single press on PWR and volume - single press on NC on/off

#2 - a higher-end build. I mean more aerospace-grade materials not some fake Gucci hip-hop aesthetic. If they bring back folding they need precision metal hinges with smooth action. The problem is weight and it's a valid reason for all the plastic - AirPods Pro get constant complaints due to the mass of the aluminum (not to mention reported issues with condensation forming and frying them). You're basically left with composite materials like carbon fiber which would jack up the price quite a bit. Maybe an aluminum shell over plastic.

#3 - removable earcups (preferably magnetic). I've worn my XM5's for hours a day since their release. At this point, the foam in the earcups is flattened and worn out and the inside fabric is literally a disgusting imprint of my ear made from sweat and dirt from my ears.

#3b - easily-replacable driver protection fabric for those of us with especially nasty ears

#4 - better app. The current app sucks. There aren't enough equalizer settings and there are annoying notifications and even ads from Sony. WTF?

#4b - How is there only an app for phones? On a $400 pair of headphones you'd think you could buy these for your Grandpa and he could use his PC to set them up but NOPE. Partially a sign of the times in the electronics world but still ridiculous.

#5 - offer more colors. It's bad enough there are only two choices but even worse when both choices are the two most boring colors. Not even black and white - black and freakin' Mental Institution Grey

 

[nomad_2008]

I still love and use XM3, would only repair ANC, they started squeaking 5 months ago, after perfect service since 2018.
As for the newer versions they are kind of suck, hope XM6 will take all the best from XM3.
And I can't say that XM4 and XM5 sounds better than XM3.