Sony WI-1000XM2 Teardown by 52Audio.com

52Audio.com has posted up their WI-1000XM2 teardown, check it out here. Thanks to the WI-1000XM2 certification earlier this year, most of the internals were already known, like the Mediatek MT2811 and the QN1. But it is always great to see the internal photos in higher resolution and quality. So time to dive in.

Sony WH-CH710N, Sony's Affordable Noise Cancellation option Coming soon

Sony will have one more updated wireless headset coming next year, the WH-CH710N, an update to the affordable WH-CH700N. The FCC documents this time do not reveal too much, but the label pdf does have an outline photo of the design. The design appears more chunkier and upscale versus the current model and looks to borrow design elements from the WH-XB900N and WH-1000XM3.

New Sony Walkmans Show up on Sony US and Sony Canada (update)

In the words of Dr. Farnsworth, Good News, Everyone! All three new Walkmans have appeared on Sony.ca and Sony.com. There is no information about when these will be released and the price is only known for Canada at this moment. Unfortunately, the A100TPS anniversary model is no where to be found, but hopefully this will also be released in North America.

Sony WH-1000XM4 shows up on the FCC, CES 2020 debut?

The Sony WH-1000XM4 has finally appeared on the FCC. In my previous posts about the recent FCC filings, I said that perhaps the Mark 4 might soon appear on the FCC, and it looks like that predication came true. Very little information is provided in the documents apart from the testing, so what can we expect from the new wireless headset? And when will it debut?

Sony WF-XB700, EXTRA BASS meets truly wireless

Another day, and another FCC filing from Sony, almost feels like Christmas came early. Along with the WI-SP510 and WF-SP800N, a new filing for a WF-XB700 has appeared on the FCC. The filing does not reveal much, so I can only speculate for the moment.

Sony WF-SP800N, new Bluetooth Noise Cancelling headset coming soon

Set to debut sometime next year, the WF-SP800N is Sony's new sports oriented truly wireless noise cancelling headset. The WF-SP800N looks to be a successor the the WF-SP700N, and could potentially debut at CES 2020, but then again it might not even be sold in North America, the WF-H800 was on the FCC but there has been no announcement of availability for the US or Europe.

Software Update version 1.01.00 for Sony NW-ZX500 / NW-A100 Walkmans

I missed this update last month, apologies, so posting it now. Sony has released a firmware update for the ZX500 and A100 Walkmans. The update should appear automatically on the Walkman as a notification, so WiFi will need to be turned on in order to get the notification update.

Sony WI-SP510, Wireless In-Ear Sports Headphones Coming next year

Sony is slowly updating their wireless headphone lineup to Bluetooth 5.0 and next up is the WI-SP500 sports model. There is little information in the FCC filing, but like with all x10 change in model number, we should have Bluetooth 5.0 and a new design.

Sony Black Friday Deals

Better late than never, that is what they say right? Anyways, Sony has some great deals on Amazon right now and I am sure they will either go up till Cyber Monday or maybe even longer. So if anyone was thinking of picking up anything from Sony, please do use the affiliate links, a tiny portion does trickle down to me. Of course if you can find it cheaper someplace else, do buy it there of course, like Best Buy or the like.

Firmware update 2.0.2 for Sony WF-1000XM3

Sony has released another update for the WF-1000XM3 wireless headset. This makes it 2 updates this month, after the previous update had to be pulled earlier. The new update does bring some features users have been requesting from Sony for some time now. I have listed the changes below.

Firmware update to version 4.2.2 for WH-1000XM3

Sony hes released a new firmware update for the WH-1000XM3. The update allows users to turn off the Touch sensor on the side of the headphones to be turned on an off in the Sony Headphones Connect app.

Firmware update 1.3.7 for Sony WF-1000XM3

Sony has finally released a new firmware update for the WF-1000XM3. The previous update was pulled from the site because some issues but now Sony seems to have resolved them. The changes in the firmware:

• Improves connectivity with iOS
• Improves other functions

Previous Benefits and Improvements

• Improves connectivity with Windows 10, resolving an issue where on some specific builds of Windows 10, sound would not playback after Bluetooth pairing
• General performance and stability improvements

What SoC is Sony using in the new A and ZX Walkmans?

Last month in an interview with Sony's Ryogo Tsukigi on Philweb, quite a few new details emerged about the new A and ZX Walkmans. The first, measures were taken to reduce the noise from the Wi-Fi chip and SoC; second, high resolution streaming services will be downgraded to 48Khz/16bit; and finally, the new A/ZX Walkmans were using a 1.8Ghz quad-core SoC but the manufacturer/specifications were not mentioned.

Sony NW-A100 Walkman available for Pre-order on Amazon Japan (update)

The new NW-A100 Walkman is available for pre-order on Amazon Japan. If anyone wishes to pre-order, and wishes to support the blog, please do use the affiliate links below, since a small tiny percent of the purchase will help fund the purchase of future products for review.

Sony NW-A50 Walkman shows up on Sony's European sites

The upcoming NW-A55L for Europe has finally appeared on Sony's European websites. It looks like only the 16GB version will be offered in black, gold, red, blue and green for most EU countries, and like I posted earlier, there is no FM tuner. Pricing is 180 GBP or 199 Euros.

Mediatek MT2811, the new Bluetooth chip in Sony's Wireless headsets

Mediatek tweeted last week that their chip powers the WF-1000XM3, but we already knew this back in August in the teardown article from 52audio. What Mediatek did not provide was anymore details like specifications or a datasheet in the tweet.

Sony Headphone internal codes and Bluetooth SoCs

Sony WF-1000X BT

In a previous article I outlined many of the current and past Walkman model internal codes Sony uses.  While the Walkman models use ICX for their prefix, the headphones use HDX. I will try to keep this updated with the latest information but it is not always possible to find the code, the Bluetooth chip or both.

You will definitely need a microSD for the new A-Series Walkman

The move to Android for the operating system apart from impacting the battery life, has cut the actual storage in both the new A-Series and ZX-Series. In the product videos for both the A-Series and ZX-Series, some fine print can be seen at the bottom when the storage capacity is mentioned.

Sony NW-A55L identical to NW-A55 minus the FM tuner (update)

I have finally received a reply from Sony regarding the upcoming NW-A55L Walkman destined for Europe. In the original post there was confusion whether this would ship with a new USB type-C port and Bluetooth 5.0.

Sony to launch NW-A55L Walkman in Europe (Update)

An updated version of last year's A-Series has appeared on Amazon in Europe. This is a new model since the product code is different than last year's model, NWA55LX.CEW, where X is for the different colours, B-black, R-red, L-blue, G-green and N-gold. Only a 16GB model will be offered.

What is the CXD3775AGF?

After the WF-1000XM3 teardown post last month, I was left wondering what the CXD3775A was that was mentioned in a comment on the post. So while I could not find anything back then, I recently came upon some information while searching for the QN1 and QN1e for another post.

Sony h.ear in 3 Truly Wireless Teardown by FCC (WF-H800)

The WF-H800 FCC teardown is also now available on their website, so let us take a look at what we can find out. The photos are not the best quality but it is the best we have for now. I will be comparing the parts to the WF-1000XM3 teardown by 52audio.com, so check out their site for the full teardown.

Sony h.ear on 3 (WH-H910N) Teardown photos from FCC

The FCC internal photos for the upcoming h.ear on 3 have become available for viewing. As with most FCC internal photos, the quality is poor and not always great, but some information and details can be found in the filing.

Sony’s Upcoming NW-ZX507 Walkman: Multi-source music with high quality sound

The NW-ZX500 Walkman builds on the success of the previous ZX300. The new model brings, WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, a new design and Android 9.0 to the table. All of this sounds great but how does it compare to the ZX300? Read on to find out.

Sony Japan introduces the WH-XB900N, WH-XB700, WH-CH510 and WI-XB400

I will be honest, I thought both the WH-XB900N and WH-XB700 were already on sale in Japan but I guess not. In addition the two new headsets I wrote about earlier, the WH-CH510 and WI-XB400 will also be released in Japan as well.

Sony’s new WI-1000XM2, how does it compare to the WI-1000X?

I posted the design of the WI-1000XM2 back in August in this teardown post, and now with the model officially announced, it is time to find out what has changed and what has stayed the same.

New Sony Walkmans (NW-A100, NW-ZX500) use a Murata Wireless Chip

The new Sony Walkmans have appeared on the Bluetooth certification site, the link can be found here, and apart from confirming the various model numbers (A100TPS, A105, A106, A107, ZX505, and ZX507), the certification does provide some information about the chipset used. Let's dig in.

Sony WI-XB400 and WH-CH510 Quietly introduced

Sony has expanded their lineup with 2 new affordable wireless headsets, the WI-XB400 and WH-CH510. Both feature Bluetooth 5.0, are Voice-assistant compatible and come in a variety of colours. Pre-order is available from Amazon and they should ship in 1-2 weeks.

More colourful, more compact: h.ear on 3 mini wireless, the Sony WH-H810 (update)

For those who prefer more portability, the new H810 headphones come in a convenient, foldable design with on-ear cushions. With new touch sensor controls, voice assistant, and up to 30 hours battery life, you can enjoy high quality wireless audio easily wherever you go.

Rich sound on Sony’s new h.ear headphones, WH-H910N (update)

• 5 new colour options for the WH-H910N overband headphones and NW-A105 Walkman® so you can listen in style with a new and improved slimmer fit
• Boosted battery life and smart headphone features to make listening easier than ever on the WH-H910N headphones

Sony today introduces its new h.ear WH-H910N overband headphones. Fashion lovers are in their element with five new colour combinations teamed with high quality sound.

Sony WF-H800 h.ear in 3 Truly Wireless Headphones

Sony held their annual IFA press conference earlier today but surprise, many of the devices I mentioned that would be coming were not shown during the show. Of course this does not mean they are not coming, but their availability will be limited.

Retro Revival: Sony NW-A100TPS, Walkman 40th Anniversary edition

Take a trip down memory lane with the 40th anniversary edition, NW-A100TPS Walkman. NW-A100TPS Walkman has a printed 40th anniversary logo on the rear panel and comes with a specially designed soft case and package, which pays homage to and is inspired by the TPS-L2 Walkman, Sony’s first portable cassette player.

Sony releases new NW-A100 Walkman

Sony has announced the A100 Walkman at IFA 2019. The new model is powered by Android 9.0, features WiFi, NFC, NC, and a USB type-C port. The model is expected to go on sale in November 2019 in Europe, starting at €350/£320 for the NW-A105 and €440/£400 for the NW-A100TPS.

IFA 2019 Sony Preview (update)

At last year's IFA, Sony brought the A50 Walkman, DMP-Z1, WH-1000XM3, WF-SP900 and their new Premium Signature Series to the show, and this it seems this year will be filled with lots of new goodies. Sony will hold their IFA press conference on September 5th at 13:00 local time.

Firmware update 1.3.0 for Sony WF-1000XM3 (update)

Sony has released a firmware update for the WF-1000XM3. The improvements are the following:

• Improves connectivity with Windows 10, resolving an issue where on some specific builds of Windows 10, sound would not playback after Bluetooth pairing
• General performance and stability improvements 

Sony to release an Update to WH-H900N (H.Ear On 2), the WH-H910N

Sony has another wireless headset coming this year, the WH-H910N, replacement for the WH-H900N, or H. Ear On 2. This new headset seems to follow the same naming scheme like the WI-C310 (from WI-C300) and WH-CH510 (from WH-CH500). I can confirm Bluetooth 5.0 and noise cancellation, but do not have any information about codec support, design or colour options for now.

Sony WH-H810, successor to H. Ear on 2 mini?

It looks like IFA 2019 might be packed with a lot of debuts from Sony, possibly including another wireless headset, the WH-H810, successor to the H. Ear On 2 mini. There is no FCC filing just yet, hopefully it will appear in the next few days. This late arrival is puzzling and makes me wonder if they will debut at IFA or later on. Remains to be seen.

EISA selects Sony's WH-1000XM3 as Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

Press Release

Boasting a new and improved design, Sony’s WH-1000XM3 flagship noise-cancelling headphones offer an excellent fit for all users, so they are just as comfortable on a long-haul flight as they are during your daily commute. 

Sony WF-H800, New Wireless In Ear Headset coming soon

Looks like Sony will have a lot of debuts at IFA or soon after IFA. Another wireless in-ear headset has shown up on the FCC, the WF-H800. Little is known about this device, but it will feature Bluetooth 5.0 and should be using the MT2811 BT chip so no aptX/LDAC support. It should be positioned under the new WF-1000XM3 in price.

Sony WI-1000XM2 revealed via Certification

The upcoming Sony WI-1000XM2 has been revealed by a certification document found on Google Drive. I would like to thank @AMNOSSOUL from Twitter for the link to the documents. The link can be found at the end of the post. The documents reveal a few things, first new design, LDAC support is present, aptX is not, Bluetooth 5.0 is confirmed, along with NC and NFC. Unfortunately the does not provide hours of operation for now, but charging time is 3.5 hours.

Sony WF-1000XM3 Teardown by 52audio.com (Update 2)

It is always great to see teardowns of new products, especially when they are of Sony's products. Audio52 performed a full teardown of the new WF-1000XM3 recently, so let's take a look at what they found out. I will mention none of the photos work for me on their website so I had to use photos from this website. The second link provides an English translation although it might be Google translated from the original article, regardless, the photos from the teardown provide a great deal of insight into the new headset and possibly future devices.

Sony WI-1000XM2 hits the FCC, is this the HDX-2941?

I was writing an article about a new Bluetooth certification from Sony, the HDX-2941, when surprisingly the device I was writing about appeared on the FCC, the WI-1000XM2. The new Mark 2 will come with Bluetooth 5.0 and appears to have the same  BT chip as the WF-1000XM3.  Question is, will it feature additional codec support like LDAC or aptX?

Sony WF-1000XM3 Unboxing by Unbox Therapy

Unboxed Therapy has a great unboxing and overview video of the new and upcoming Sony WF-1000XM3. The video while not a thorough review does provide a good first look at the headset, what is included in the box and pairing with a smartphone. The headphones are expected to start shipping in the middle of August, priced at $230 USD or 249 Euros. They are expensive but I feel they upgraded internals, superior sound quality and improved battery life make the price worth it. While Sony will not send me any review units, I might buy a pair in the future myself to try them out.

Sony WI-XB400 confirmed as HDX-2937, release imminent?

Last month, I posted the FCC documents revealing the design of the WI-XB400, and now a new document has come to my attention which contains a nice schematic view of the upcoming wireless headset from Sony.  The PDF, link can be found here, has also confirms the internal code, HDX-2937.  I have cut out and cleaned up parts of the design here in this post, but for the full PDF, please visit the link above.

Sony HDX-2931 and HDX-2937, are these the WI-C200/310? (Update)

The Bluetooth certification website has provided new internal codes for 2 new wireless headsets from Sony, the HDX-2931 and HDX-2937.  Only information provided is that these will sport Bluetooth 5.0.  These could just be the newly introduced WI-C200/310, and looking at the certification for those headsets here, we see the section combined designs, which has the following information: "102756,10419".  These same combined design numbers are seen for the HDX-2937, so this model is either the WI-C200 or 310.

Sony to Launch NW-ZX500 Walkman as successor to ZX300

Apart from the upcoming newA-Series, Sony will alsobe launching their new ZX model to replace the ZX300.  Very little information is present in the FCC documents, but they do provide some information.

Sony NW-A100 Walkman with WiFi and BT 5.0 coming soon (update)

A new A-Series Walkman has appeared on the FCC, the NW-A100.  I had my doubts anything would appear since June and July had passed and nothing was showing up on the FCC.  Fortunately the new A-Series has popped up on the site today (August 1st) and it might be the best A-Series just yet.

Sony WH-CH510 Wireless Headset revealed by FCC

Another pair was revealed by the FCC, the Sony WH-CH510.  The design has changed into a more rounded and softer look than the previous model the WH-CH500.  Almost everything has changed in design apart from maybe the ear cushions but this is difficult to tell from the FCC photos.

Sony WI-XB400 revealed in FCC documents

The upcoming WI-XB400 has been revealed by the FCC. The design is simple yet light and compact.  The reference guide does provide some new information like the inclusion of Bluetooth 5.0, USB type C port and battery life of up to 15 hours with a charge time of 3 hours.  There is no mention of water/dust protection, so I would not bet on it.

Sony WF-1000XM3 pre-order available on Amazon, Shipping early August

Sony's new WF-1000XM3 are already up for pre-order on Amazon's site.  They are priced at $229.99 USD, 220 GBP or 249 Euros.  The earbuds are expected to start shipping on August 5th for US, August 8th for the UK, and August 9th for Germany.  Will anyone be picking up a pair?