Sony Releases Firmware Update For Noise-Canceling WF-1000XM3 Earbuds: What's New?

Sony has released a firmware update for its pair of noise-canceling truly wireless headphones, the WF-1000XM3. The update adds some interesting features and enhancements to the already excellent audio accessory. Here's a quick look at what the update brings.

Sony's WF-1000XM3 noise-canceling wireless headphones continues to be tough competition for the Apple AirPods Pro. It offers superb noise canceling, long battery life, and excellent audio quality that's definitely better than what Cupertino's audio accessory can offer. It appears, however, that Sony wants it to be better than ever.

Sony recently released Firmware Update Ver. 2.0.2 for the WF-1000XM3 noise-canceling wireless headphones. This update is only applicable for the AirPods Pro rival, and won't work with other models including the highly acclaimed WH-1000XM3. Here's what the firmware update brings:

Adds support for Amazon Alexa

Firmware Update Ver. 2.0.2 adds support for Amazon's digital voice assistant, Alexa. This means users now have the option to select between two voice assistants – Google Assistant or Alexa. Those who have Amazon's devices such as an Echo speaker might find it more interesting to work with Alexa instead.

Adds the ability to adjust the volume using the headphones touch sensor

The WF-1000XM3 has a touch sensor used to toggle noise cancellation. Volume adjustments were previously done via the Sony Headphones Connect app or Google Assistant. Now, users will be able to adjust volume levels with a simple tap on the sensor.

A WF-1000XM3 user who installed the update, however, seemed to imply via a Reddit post that the touch sensor can only be used for either noise cancellation toggles, or volume control. The user noted that the update doesn't add a separate shortcut for volume,

Adds the ability to check the battery level of the charging case

Users who install the firmware update will now be able to monitor the battery life of the charging case using the Sony Headphones Connect app

Improvements in other functions

Sony indicated that the WF-1000XM3 will now have improved connectivity with iOS devices as well as Windows 10 devices. It didn't specify other improvements, however.

Those who want to install the new firmware update can do so by launching the Sony Headphones Connect app while wearing the earbuds, then following instructions once a message about a new update pops up. The installation process will take about half an hour, will require a device running on at least Android Ver. 5 or iOS 11.0 (iOS 13.1 excluded), and an active internet connection.