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Sony WF-1000XM4, new True Wireless with active noise reduction

The Japanese manufacturer announces new wireless noise-canceling headphones, the Sony WF-1000XM4, significantly improved compared to their predecessors, the Sony WF-1000XM3.

The Sony WF-1000XM4 True Wireless headphones therefore incorporate the new V1 processor, based on the noise reduction performance of the QN1e chip, inaugurated by the Japanese firm on the excellent Bluetooth headphones with active noise reduction Sony WH- 1000WM3 (click to discover the test of the product by the editorial staff of AVCesar.com). According to Sony, with this processor, noise reduction reaches record levels while consuming less power.

Automatic active noise reduction against the wind

The processor is supported by a first double ambient noise sensor based on an internal microphone located on the surface of the headphones, then another, external, which captures the sound. surrounding sound in order to generate the inverted sound frequency (s) to cancel it. Also note the Wind Noise Reduction mode which detects the presence of wind and automatically suppresses its effects.

Main Specifications

Compatible with Bluetooth 5.2, the Sony WF-1000XM4 headphones have an 8-hour battery life and come with a carrying and charging case offering two additional full charges for a total of 24 hours of battery life (36 hours without noise reduction). A quick charge function is available: 5 minutes of charging provides 60 minutes of battery life.

LDAC, Sony's exclusive broadband Bluetooth technology, is of course present. It allows the headset to support Hi-Res Audio wireless technology. The 6mm drivers (20% larger than those of the WF-1000XM3) reproduce dynamic sound despite their small size and the DSEE HX processing of the WF-1000XM3 gives way to the DSEE Extreme. The difference is due to the integration of Edge-AI technology to magnify the quality of compressed music files.

Quick Attention Mode

Also worth noting, Quick Attention Mode to communicate without removing the headphones. By placing your finger on the touchpad of the left earphone, the volume drops significantly and automatically in order to perceive the surrounding sound, so the words of an individual for example. Also note the Speak-to-Chat function which automatically interrupts the music and lets in ambient sound to conduct a conversation.

Compactness and ergonomics

The WF-1000XM4 are smaller and lighter: 10% smaller than their predecessors, without compromising sound quality or battery life. The charging case is 40% smaller. We mention an IPX4 waterproof rating as well as plastic-free packaging made from recycled and sustainable materials.

The tactile ergonomics allow full control of the WF-1000XM4: play, pause, skip a track or even activate the Google or Alexa voice assistant. Finally, the Wearing Detection function cuts off the sound if one of the headphones is removed from the ear and restarts it as soon as it is back in place. Last precision, the Sony WF-1000XM4 is fully controllable via the Sony Headphones Connect application. And the latter guides the user in the choice of the size of the tips with the help of a few quick sound measurements.

Available immediately, in black or silver, at an indicative price of 280 euros.

Reminder of the key features of the Sony WF-1000XM4:

• Type: dynamic closed 6 mm in-ear headphones

• Loudspeaker (s): dynamic

• Frequency response : 20 - 20,000 Hz

• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2

• Supported Bluetooth profiles: A2DP / AVRCP / HFP / HSP

• Codecs: SBC, AAC, LDAC

• Certification: IPX4

• Function (s): fast charge (5 min charge for 60 min listening), Quick Attention, Speak ‑ to ‑ Chat and Wearing Detection modes

• Active noise reduction: yes

• Voice assistants: Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa

• Battery life: 8 h (continuous connection including reading), 24 h with the storage box and its built-in battery, 36 h without active noise reduction

• Charging time: 90 min (earphones), 180 mm (case)

• Weight: 41 g for the earpieces, nc for the case

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