The Sony WF-1000XM4 is the high tech earbuds for audiophiles

Sony's latest features support for High Resolution Audio and day-to-day perks like Speak-to-Chat.

by Justin Choo

The long-awaited SONY WF-1000XM4 has finally been released.

It features a new Integrated Processor V1, which Sony believes will take noise-cancelling and audio quality to the next level.

They say also the new processor enhances sound quality and reduces distortion while enabling LDAC codec processing and DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) Extreme. The WF-1000XM4 LDAC transmits up to 990 kbps, making wireless High-Resolution Audio possible.

360 Reality Audio also comes to the WF-100XM4, but only if you have a participating streaming service. As the name suggests, this is Sony’s methodology for creating a virtual experience. It also receives the Speak-to-Chat treatment, meaning the earbuds will recognise the moment you speak. It then pauses the audio to allow you to hear the other person you are speaking to. When the conversation is over, the music will start playing again.

It features two noise sensing microphones (one feed-forward and one feed-back) on the surface of each earbud to analyse ambient noise for more accurate noise cancellation. It also has an Automatic Wind Noise Reduction mode that detects when it’s windy and compensates automatically.

The earbuds get new drivers and a new housing as well. The WF-1000XM4 features a 6mm driver unit with a 20 per cent larger magnet and a “high compliance” diaphragm, which result in an improved performance in the low frequencies. Noise-canceling in this range is improved as well.

The earbuds get a redesigned shape for better ergonomics along with splash-proof levels of water resistance (IPX4). It also produced a new earbud tip material – Sony calls it a unique polyurethane foam – that is soft and elastic and better at adhering to the ear canal. This helps to eliminate gaps, insulate sound and reduce noise. They are also 10 per cent smaller than the XM3 and the case is 40 per cent smaller than its predecessor’s.

The battery in the WF-1000XM4 is rated for up to eight hours, while the charging case can provide another 16 more hours. If you turn off noise cancelling you get eight more hours in total, which is 36. A quick, five-minute charge provides up to an hour’s worth of listening. It’s also compatible with Qi wireless charging.

The WF-1000XM4 headphones are priced at $379 and are available for pre-order (till 24th June) at the Sony Store . From now till 31st July, you can trade in your old 1000X series headphones for an $80 voucher. Check the pre-order page for the full list of terms and conditions.