Sony’s popular WH-1000XM3 wireless headphones are gaining Amazon Alexa support. The company confirmed the new support during its CES 2019 presentation, explaining the support will be added via a software update which is due to be delivered through the Sony Headphones Connect Android app.
Sony did not explicitly state when the update will be available, but did confirm it is currently scheduled to arrive within the first quarter of 2019.
Once the update does arrive, owners of the WH-1000XM3 headphones will be able to tap the button on the headphones and issue commands to Alexa to control various aspects of the listening experiencing, including playing and pausing music, adjusting the volume and so on.
Users will also be able to use Alexa on the headphones to control compatible nearby smart home products, and/or receive feedback from questions asked.
The WH-1000XM3 headphones were only announced in August of 2018 during IFA. However, they have already proven to be extremely popular and this in in spite of their high price tag. One of the reasons for this is the active noise cancellation (ANC) that’s included. As this has largely been deemed to be one of, if not, the best ANC headphone solution on the market.
Besides the ANC, the WH-1000XM3 headphones also offer a decent sound quality considering they are the company’s premium wireless headphone solution, and come with the ability to run for up to 30 hours on a single charge. All of this, with Amazon Alexa support now included, makes the WH-1000XM3 even better value than ever before.
While the WH-1000XM3 are currently the newest and best version of the company’s WH-branded NC headphones, they are not the only ones that are gaining Alexa support. Sony also confirmed its WH-1000XM2 and WI-1000X models will also receive the same treatment via an update.
The WH-1000XM2 are the direct predecessor to the WH-1000XM3 and have equally remained a popular option in spite of the arrival of the newer version. This has largely been due to the headphones offering a very similar quality overall coupled with them becoming the subject of a number of price drops in the last few months.
The WI-1000X are a slightly different proposition as these are the company’s in-ear wireless noise-canceling solution. Therefore they do not directly compete with the flagship WH-1000XM3, but instead cater to those looking for a lightweight and more earphone type of experience, but who also want to take advantage of a heightened noise-cancellation experience.
The confirmation that the older model and the in-ear version are also going to gain the same support will be of good news to current owners, as well as those who might be considering picking either pair up in the near future.
This was only one of the announcements Sony made during CES 2019 as the company also announced updated versions of its main SRS EXTRA BASS speakers, as well as the addition of two newer and more novel models that are better suited to parties.
Sony also took the electronics show opportunity to announce a number of upcoming TVs powered by Android TV, including a new 8K model.