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Leaked Details and Rumors Surface for Sony WF-1000XM6 Earbuds; CNET Reviews AirPods Max 2 and Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones

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Sony's Next-Gen Earbuds Leak, While Top Headphones Go Head-to-Head

Recent reports and leaks have provided details on Sony's upcoming WF-1000XM6 wireless earbuds, while a published review compares Apple's AirPods Max 2 headphones to Sony's WH-1000XM6 headphones.

Sony WF-1000XM6 Earbuds: Leaks and Rumors

Multiple sources have shared information about the unannounced Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds, primarily through retail listings and industry sources.

Design and Color Options
  • Images from a Thai retailer, Power Buy, show a redesigned "pill-shaped" form factor, departing from the circular design of the previous WF-1000XM5 model.
  • The earbuds feature a matte finish, and the charging case appears less curvy and bulkier than previous versions.
  • Leaked images show matte black and off-white (Platinum Silver) color options.
  • Industry source Roland Quandt has stated that a Sandpink variant is expected at launch, suggesting the WF-1000XM6 may debut with more color options than its predecessor.
Reported Specifications and Features

Leaked specifications indicate the earbuds will feature a new QN3e processor, stated to be three times faster than the processor in the WF-1000XM5.

  • The earbuds are reported to include eight total microphones, a new speaker, an improved DAC, and an enhanced amplifier.
  • Battery life is reported at eight hours per charge with ANC active, plus 16 additional hours from the charging case, matching the battery life of the previous two models.
  • The earbuds are listed with an IPX4 water-resistance rating and will feature ANC and transparency modes.
  • Design refinements are reported for improved comfort, including "insulated tips." The companion app's equalizer is said to be upgraded from five to ten adjustable bands.
Pricing and Availability
  • Rumored pricing is $329.99 in the US and €299.99 in the Eurozone.
  • The product is anticipated to launch as early as next month. Sony has not officially confirmed any details.

CNET Review: AirPods Max 2 vs. Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones

CNET has published a comparative review of Apple's AirPods Max 2 and Sony's WH-1000XM6 over-ear headphones. Both models have received CNET Editors' Choice awards.

Pricing and Build
  • The AirPods Max 2 are priced at $549, while the Sony WH-1000XM6 retail for $450.
  • The AirPods Max 2 weigh 386.2 grams and feature a stainless steel and aluminum build, which the review describes as more durable.
  • The Sony WH-1000XM6 weigh 254 grams, are constructed from plastic and carbon-fiber composite, and have a folding design.
Features and Performance
  • The AirPods Max 2 include features like Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness, powered by Apple's H2 chip, and are noted as being optimized for Apple's ecosystem.
  • The Sony WH-1000XM6 include features like Speak-to-Chat and support for the LDAC audio codec on Android devices.

The review states both headphones have top-tier noise-canceling capabilities, with the AirPods Max 2 having a slight advantage in transparency mode performance.

  • Regarding sound quality, the review describes the AirPods Max 2 as having a balanced, accurate sound with more clarity, while the Sony WH-1000XM6 are described as warmer and more forgiving.
Additional Details
  • The Sony WH-1000XM6 are rated for up to 30 hours of battery life, compared to 20 hours for the AirPods Max 2.
  • The AirPods Max 2 support wired listening via USB-C but do not include a 3.5mm cable. The Sony WH-1000XM6 include a 3.5mm analog cable for wired use.