Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

MacRumors

macrumors bot
Original poster
Apr 12, 2001
69,087
40,119


When it comes to wireless over-ear Bluetooth audio, Sony's flagship WH-1000MX3 headphones are among the best on the market, and the launch of the fourth-generation model appears to be right around the corner.

sony-wh-1000xm3-review-5.jpg

A new listing (since removed) on Walmart's website, spotted on Thursday by Android Police, reveals pretty much all there is to know about Sony's upcoming WH-1000MX4 noise canceling headphones, including some notable new features and a $348 price tag.

According to the specs list, the forthcoming model will include Edge-AI, Sony's latest codec for upscaling compressed audio files in real-time. The technology uses artificial intelligence to restore the high-range sound lost in compression, which Sony says allows for a richer, more complete listening experience.

There's also a new Adaptive Sound Control mode that lets users create custom profiles in the companion app that will adjust the noise canceling based on location, and new Precise Voice Pickup Technology promises to pick up the user's voice better through the five built-in microphones when on a call.

In addition, the 1000XM4's will be able to connect to two Bluetooth devices at the same time. That's a big plus in our book – previous models haven't supported dynamic switching between audio sources, and having to manually disconnect them from your ‌iPhone‌ so that you can connect to your Mac and vice versa just feels clunky.

Bose's QC35 and 700 headphones have no trouble pairing with two devices and automatically switching between them based on which one is transmitting an audio signal. In our Bluetooth saturated age, it's hard to overstate just how convenient this feature is.

Like the current model, the 1000XM4's will offer 30 hours of wired/wireless battery life on a single charge, and users will be able to get five hours' worth of charge after 10 minutes connected to a power outlet. Sony hasn't officially announced the new 1000XM4's yet, but given the Walmart listing and an FCC filing late last year, expect to see them in the next week or two. Until then, why not check out our review of Sony's current flagship model.

Article Link: Sony's Unreleased WH-1000XM4 Headphones Show Up in Walmart Listing
 
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
how very true -
"...no trouble pairing with two devices and automatically switching between them based on which one is transmitting an audio signal. In our Bluetooth saturated age, it's hard to overstate just how convenient this feature is."
 
how very true -
"...no trouble pairing with two devices and automatically switching between them based on which one is transmitting an audio signal. In our Bluetooth saturated age, it's hard to overstate just how convenient this feature is."

I was honestly shocked when I got my first AirPods and realized they don’t do that. I had some low budget (granted bulky) wireless bluetooth earphones before (from Sennheiser I think) and even they offered it.

Anyway, sounds cool and all but over the head headphones just don’t stay on my head
 
I prefer the Sony's noise cancellation. But... Bluetooth has around for almost 20 years and yet with latest version can only connect with two devices at the same time. What has the thousand of companies involved in the bluetooth group been doing over that time? It unbelieveable.
Apple's H1 chip overcomes this gross oversight, for Apple devices anyway.
 
Being able to connect to more than one device at the same time is a welcome addition but only two? Surface Headphones 2 let you connect up to ten.
Do you think the reviewer had ten devices, and was bothered testing ten devices? "Connects to two devices" doesn't imply "Cannot connect to three devices".
[automerge]1591359139[/automerge]
Bluetooth has around for almost 20 years and yet with latest version can only connect with two devices at the same time.
Where in the review does it say that? It says "has no trouble connecting to two devices".
 
Do you think the reviewer had ten devices, and was bothered testing ten devices? "Connects to two devices" doesn't imply "Cannot connect to three devices".
[automerge]1591359139[/automerge]

Where in the review does it say that? It says "has no trouble connecting to two devices".

It's not a review. They were stating what was found on the product listing page. If it can pair to more than two devices it would say so but it doesn't. We will just have to wait for the official announcement.
 
I have the XM3's and and very happy with them. I use them with a Dragonfly Red when not using the NC/BT so the upscaling feature might not be a help to me. The multiple devices feature would be great but in itself not sure I'll be selling to upgrade. I'll wait for the reviews - not long now by the look of it.
 
These should be the real deal (current gen are the best in the market). Hopefully they didn't cut too many corners Timmy style. We'll see once released.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DeepIn2U
Do you think the reviewer had ten devices, and was bothered testing ten devices? "Connects to two devices" doesn't imply "Cannot connect to three devices".
What reviewer are you referencing? There's no reviewer with 10 devices or 8 or 5 or even 2. There's no reviewer at all. Someone spotted an ad on Walmart and read the spec list. If the M4's could connect to 10 devices, pretty sure it would have been included on the spec list.
 
how very true -
"...no trouble pairing with two devices and automatically switching between them based on which one is transmitting an audio signal. In our Bluetooth saturated age, it's hard to overstate just how convenient this feature is."
It's very true. And it's shocking that Airpods doesn't have this feature.
Bose(and many others) can switch automatically, based on which device you are using to listen music, but with Airpods, you have to switch manually.
 
  • Like
Reactions: yegon
This is fantastic news! I've loved my WH1000XM3 and I will definitely be looking at these very closely when they're released. I travel for a living (well, did until this craziness started in March) and I'm never far from a pair of ANC headphones. I usually have my AirPods Pro in my pocket, and the WH1000XM3 in my bag alongside the Bose QC20i in-ear ANC wired headphones. I've long since retired my QC15 and have little interest in the 700 - the design of the Bose isn't as nice as the Sony IMO.

Anyway.. very much looking forward to this :)
 
So what's with the decorative horse? Did I miss how this is connected to the substance of the article?

:oops:
 
Been waiting for this and holding up on not buying the XM3. Hope they announce the release date soon!
 
>s will be able to connect to two Bluetooth devices at the same time.

Wow. A WHOLE two devices.

Can't wait for the Apple Headphones so I can switch from my sony m3s. worst bluetooth pairing limitations ever

I mean YEARS ago my other high end phones could connect to two.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Alaxlmartin
If the mx4 have the same type of make as the mx3, the qc 35 are more comfortable. And comfortable in this price point is the priority for me.

Same here. Sony does need to improve the comfortability of their (otherwise excellent) headphones. Until then, I stick with the QC35.
 
  • Like
Reactions: justiny and I7guy
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.