Sony WH-1000XM6 and 1000X The ColleXion receive gaming mode via update

On June 30, Sony released the firmware update to version 3.1.5 for the Sony WH-1000XM6, as well as firmware version 1.3.0 for the WH-1000X The ColleXion ($648 on Amazon). The update can be installed via the Sony Sound Connect app by initiating the firmware update in the headphone settings within the app.

The update primarily adds one new feature to both flagship headphones: support for the Bluetooth LE Audio Gaming Audio Profile (GMAP). As the Bluetooth SIG states, the Gaming Audio Profile has one major advantage: lower latency. Gaming mode is designed to reduce total audio latency to under 40 milliseconds, with the standard specifying 30 milliseconds for wireless transmission and 10 milliseconds for audio processing on the headphones. In addition, the difference between the left and right channels must not exceed 100 milliseconds.

GMAP offers four signal profiles, A through D, depending on whether speed or stability is the priority. While Profile A is designed to enable latency of less than 30 milliseconds, Profile D is better suited for environments with a lot of interference that can cause disruptions. Compared to proprietary gaming modes offered by headphone manufacturers, GMAP has the advantage that this profile is part of the Bluetooth specification and can therefore be supported by devices regardless of the manufacturer. As usual, users can only benefit from GMAP if both the audio source and the headphones support the standard.