Sony brings new features to WF-1000XM5, WH-1000XM5 and LinkBuds S with latest updates

Roughly a month has passed since Sony refreshed the WF-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM5 with new Smoky Pink colourways (curr. $399.99 on Amazon). Unfortunately, the refresh did not bring any new features to either of its high-end wireless audio devices. Instead, Sony has left that to a new firmware update, which should be available globally across all WF-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM5 models, including their recent Smoky Pink releases.

Specifically, the WF-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM5 are now compatible with two new features, which build on previous innovations like LDAC Multipoint connectivity and Head Tracking support. On the one hand, the new updates add Auto Switch, which allows the WF-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM5 to transfer audio to the LinkBuds Speaker that arrived earlier this month.

On the other hand, the pair are finally compatible with Google's Find My Device service. However, this is only true when they are set to a 'Classic Audio' connection. Additionally, Sony has introduced Google Fast Pair support over Low Energy Audio (LE Audio). For reference, Sony is distributing the new updates as firmware version 2.3.1 for the WF-1000XM5 and firmware version 4.0.2 for the WH-1000XM5. Please note that you must perform the update through Sony's Sound Connect app on a device running at least Android 9.0 or iOS 16.0. Incidentally, Sony has also brought the same features to the LinkBuds S through firmware version 4.2.1.