Sony has officially launched the latest entry to their highly acclaimed wireless noise-cancelling headphones with the new WH-1000XM4. The new audio device offers all of the much-loved technology from its predecessor along with additional intelligent features, improved noise-cancellation, and the ability to adjust ambient sound automatically based on user preference.
The WHY-1000XM4 offers two built-in microphones in each earcup that captures environmental sound and apply noise-cancelling processing in real time. This is made possible thanks to the same QN1 chipset from its predecessor, paired with a new Adaptive Sound Control algorithm that samples music and ambient noise 700 times per second. Sony claims that the algorithm will learn to recognise locations that users frequently visit, and tailors the audio output to suit the situation.
Another new noise-cancelling feature is Speak-to-Chat, which automatically pauses music and enables ambient sound to pass through the earcups when it detects that the user is speaking. When the headphones determine that the user is no longer talking, it will turn the audio back up after 30 seconds. Alternatively, placing your hand over one earcup will also enable ambient noise to pass through if you need to listen in to an announcement or a conversation.
The WH-1000XM4 also detects when they are being worn. So if a user takes them off for whatever reason, music that was currently playing through the headset will be automatically paused. This is achieved with the aid of the proximity sensor and dual accelerometers present on the device.
As they say; if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. This applies to the audio quality which is pretty much on par with its predecessor, which is already excellent to begin with. On top of that, the WH-1000XM4 features Sony’s new Edge-AI technology which is designed to analyse music in real time and restores high range of sounds that were lost in compression.
Other than that, Sony has included improved audio processing on the WH-1000XM4’s microphones in order to make voices clearer during hands-free calls when it is connected to a user’s smartphone. Battery-wise, the headphones offer 30 hours of playback with noise-cancellation turned on, and can be charged via USB-C.
Sony Malaysia said that the new WH-1000XM4 wireless noise-cancelling headphones will be available locally sometime in August. It will be available in Black and Platinum Silver colour options, and is priced at RM1,599.
(Source: Sony Malaysia | Images: Sony)
