By: Dipin Sehdev
Sony has long held a commanding position in the world of noise-cancelling headphones. The company’s premium models—the WF-1000XM5 true wireless earbuds and the WH-1000XM6 over-ear headphones—are widely regarded as the gold standard for personal audio. Now, thanks to a new firmware update rolling out today, both headphones are getting smarter and more versatile.
This update doesn’t just refine audio quality or tweak performance—it adds two brand-new features that could change the way you use your headphones every day:
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Audio Sharing with Fast Pair
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Google Gemini Live conversational AI assistant
And here’s the best part: these features arrive as a free update via the Sony Headphones Connect app, available now for Android and iOS.
Two Flagship Headphones, Two High Scores
Before we dive into the update, let’s quickly recap why these headphones are already so beloved.
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Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds – Launched in 2023, these compact in-ears raised the bar for noise cancelling in a tiny package. They boast a 90% CE Critic Score, cementing their reputation as the earbuds to beat. With class-leading ANC, customizable sound, and excellent comfort, the WF-1000XM5 have been Sony’s answer to Apple’s AirPods Pro.
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Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones – Released in May 2025, these are the latest in Sony’s legendary WH-1000X series. They earned a 92% CE Critic Score, praised for “superb sound, foldable design, and jaw-dropping ANC performance.” They’re the continuation of a headphone dynasty that’s been redefining over-ear listening since 2016.
Both are available now on Amazon, and if you’ve been on the fence about upgrading your listening setup, this new firmware update makes them even harder to resist.
What’s New: Audio Sharing with Fast Pair
The headline feature of this update is Audio Sharing with Fast Pair, powered by Bluetooth LE Audio’s Auracast technology.
Here’s what it does:
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You can now share audio from one Android device with two pairs of compatible Sony headphones simultaneously.
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Want to watch a movie on your phone with a friend without disturbing anyone? Easy—each person gets their own set of headphones, no splitter required.
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Going bigger? You can also create a private broadcast using a QR code, letting multiple people with compatible headphones join in. Think of it like a “silent disco,” but powered by your own devices.
This feature takes the nostalgic act of sharing earbuds (remember splitting the cord with a friend on the bus?) and updates it for the wireless age.
Of course, you’ll need a supported Android device—Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, and OnePlus phones with Bluetooth LE Audio support are the current frontrunners. But as Auracast adoption spreads, more devices will support this game-changing functionality.
Meet Your New AI Assistant: Google Gemini Live
The second big addition is Google Gemini Live, Google’s latest conversational AI assistant. Unlike traditional assistants that stick to rigid commands, Gemini Live feels more human, contextual, and interactive.
With this update, your Sony headphones can now act as a portal to:
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Natural back-and-forth conversations – Ask Gemini questions, follow up with clarifications, and it remembers context like a real chat.
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Smarter recommendations – Whether you’re planning a trip, asking for cooking help, or just want trivia while on a walk, Gemini Live adapts.
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Voice-first convenience – With ANC headphones already cutting you off from the outside world, having a seamless AI assistant at your disposal makes multitasking easier.
The integration of AI directly into your daily listening experience represents a major shift. These headphones aren’t just tools for music—they’re becoming intelligent companions.
Why This Update Matters
For Sony users, this firmware update represents two major benefits:
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Enhanced Social Listening – Audio Sharing makes it easier than ever to enjoy music, movies, or podcasts together, without compromising on quality or privacy. Whether you’re traveling, working out with a friend, or just lounging at home, it adds a fun, communal layer to personal listening.
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Smarter Everyday Use – Google Gemini Live brings a whole new dimension to headphones. Instead of pulling out your phone, you can have natural conversations, get directions, or learn about a topic—all hands-free. It’s a step toward headphones becoming AI-powered lifestyle devices, not just audio gear.
How to Get the Update
The firmware update is live now worldwide. Here’s how to install it:
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Download the Sony Headphones Connect app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
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Make sure your WF-1000XM5 or WH-1000XM6 are fully charged and connected.
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Follow the in-app instructions to download and install the new firmware.
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After updating, you may need to re-pair your headphones with your device to enable the new features.
Sony notes that some features, such as Audio Sharing, require an Android device with Bluetooth LE Audio support. Gemini Live, meanwhile, integrates through Google’s AI infrastructure and works across Android phones running the latest software.
A Strategic Update at the Right Time
It’s no coincidence that Sony is rolling this out now. The wireless audio market is heating up—Apple recently launched the AirPods Pro 3, while Bose continues to refine its QuietComfort lineup. By adding fresh features to existing hardware, Sony keeps its flagship models relevant without requiring users to upgrade.
This also strengthens Sony’s relationship with Google, positioning its headphones as the go-to choice for Android power users who want both great sound and seamless AI integration.
A Closer Look at the Competition
While other brands dabble in audio sharing or AI assistants, Sony’s implementation is particularly appealing because it:
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Doesn’t cost extra – Many brands lock new features behind premium tiers or hardware refreshes. Sony is giving this away for free.
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Taps into Android’s ecosystem – With Google’s Gemini Live and Auracast support, Sony is aligning itself with the most advanced platform features Android has to offer.
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Builds on already excellent hardware – With CE Critic Scores of 90% and 92%, the XM5 and XM6 don’t need redemption—they’re already excellent. This update simply adds more value.
Looking Ahead
Sony has a track record of iterative innovation, and this firmware drop suggests more to come. With Bluetooth LE Audio adoption growing and AI assistants becoming more capable, future updates could bring even deeper integrations, like:
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Spatial Audio sharing experiences for groups.
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AI-powered sound personalization that adapts to your listening habits.
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Better multi-device switching across phones, tablets, laptops, and TVs.
For now, though, the takeaway is simple: your Sony headphones just got better without costing you a cent.
Final Thoughts
The WF-1000XM5 earbuds and WH-1000XM6 headphones were already at the top of their class. Now, with Audio Sharing via Fast Pair and Google Gemini Live AI, they’ve evolved into even smarter, more versatile tools.
If you already own them, head to the Sony Headphones Connect app today and update—you’ll unlock features that make your listening more social, more intelligent, and more convenient.
And if you don’t own them yet? Both the WF-1000XM5 (90% CE Critic Score) and WH-1000XM6 (92% CE Critic Score) are available now on Amazon. With this update, they’re not just great headphones—they’re future-ready companions.
