Sony releases major updates to WF-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM6 with Bluetooth and pairing improvements

Sony has kicked off a new month by offering firmware updates to both the WH-1000XM6 and the older WF-1000XM5 (curr. $305 on Amazon). For context, the company issued Version 5.0.2 to the WF-1000XM5 in July. By contrast, the WH-1000XM6 received Version 2.0.2 with broadly the same changes that Sony packaged within Version 5.0.2 for the WF-1000XM5.

Now, the company has moved the pair on to their next milestone updates, which it is distributing as Version 6.0.0 for the WF-1000XM5 and Version 3.0.0 for the WH-1000XM6. Principally, both updates expand the usage of Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio, which can now be used across Sony's Digital Assistant, Head Tracking and Find Hub features for the WH-1000XM6.

Additionally, both firmware updates add Audio Sharing with Fast Pair and Google Gemini Live support while also enhancing system security in unspecified areas. Meanwhile, Version 6.0.0 introduces the option of locating each WF-1000XM5 earbud individually using Find Hub and disabling the functionality altogether without using the charging case. The full changelogs for Version 3.0.0 and Version 6.0.0 are as follows:

Sony WF-1000XM5 Version 6.0.0:

• The following features are now available even when connected to LE Audio:
  • Digital Assistant
  • Head Tracking

• Note: To use Digital Assistant and Head Tracking with LE Audio, please delete the pairing information of this headset from the connected device and then re-pair the devices after completing this update.
• Support for Gemini Live is now available
• Support for Audio Sharing with Fast Pair is available
• The Find Hub feature can now be used to locate each headset (left and right) individually
• The Find Hub feature can be disabled without using the charging case
• Enhances system software security features

Sony WH-1000XM6 Version 3.0.0

• The following features are now available even when connected to LE Audio:
  • Digital Assistant
  • Head Tracking
  • Find Hub

• Note: To use Digital Assistant and Head Tracking with LE Audio, please delete the pairing information of this headset from the connected device and then re-pair the devices after completing this update.
• Support for Gemini Live is now available
• Support for Audio Sharing with Fast Pair is available
• Enhances system software security features