Here’s a question to ponder: when buying noise-cancelling (NC) headphones, should you choose the pair that sounds best or the one that’s best at neutralizing noise? The answer used to be obvious in the pre-2016 era of Bose domination: you just bought the latest QuietComfort pair, knowing that its noise cancelling was unmatched, and accepted whatever mediocre sound it gave you. But then Sony changed everything with its 1000X last year, giving you both the quiet and the comfort of Bose plus a kicking bassline. The past year has turned noise-cancelling headphones from purely functional tools to help you survive a long flight or a tiring shift at the office into truly enjoyable music stations. Among my favorites have been the on-ear AKG N60 NC and the over-ear Bowers & Wilkins PX, both of which have elevated sound quality expectations from the wireless NC category. So now Sony’s second iteration of the 1000X, the $299.99 1000XM2, have to outdo not only Bose and … [Read more...] about Sony 1000XM2 noise-cancelling headphones review: the imperfect best
Sony
Sony truly wireless earbuds review: a flawed first try
I’m rather envious of people who have the right ears for Apple’s AirPods. Right now, they remain the best truly wireless earbuds you can buy. But they fit me a little too loosely, which leaves two options: I can try workaround hacks to make them stay in better, or I can buy ear wings that I’d have to constantly take off and reattach because they don’t fit in the charging case. Rather than settling on one of those fixes, I’ve instead been trying the competition in hopes of finding something else satisfactory. Do I expect anything to match the instant pairing with an iPhone that I’d get from AirPods? No. But as long as there’s a contender that sounds good, has a reliable connection, similar battery life, and feels comfortable and secure in my ears, that’s enough to sell me on it. So when Sony announced its own pair of truly wireless earbuds with noise cancellation (something the AirPods and other truly wireless buds don’t offer), I … [Read more...] about Sony truly wireless earbuds review: a flawed first try
Sony 1000X review: the best of Bose worlds
I had almost given up hope. In my eight years of reviewing technology, I've been through the ups of anticipating the next Sony device and the downs of actually using it so many times that I didn't think I'd ever get to write about a Sony product that was uncomplicatedly good. But that changes today with the MDR-1000X headphones, which show off Sony's engineering skill at its finest. These are my favorite noise canceling cans, bar none. The 1000Xs don't come cheap at $399.99, but for that price they deliver a combination of wireless convenience, long-running battery life, effortless comfort, and great sound quality. Sony has granted me my wish: the stalwart Japanese giant has built a headphone worthy of being called the best in its category. Convenience is the number one thing with Sony's 1000Xs. Any time I'm going out, I pick them up ahead of the dozens of in-ear headphones I own, even though the latter are smaller, lighter, and often sound better. Sony's wireless over-ear cans are … [Read more...] about Sony 1000X review: the best of Bose worlds
WIRED and Sony Prototype Product Showcase
On September 24th, Sony played host to the Future Lab Program N showcase at WIRED’s headquarters in San Francisco. The exclusive sneak peek offered curious consumers their first up-close and personal look at the Concept Prototype N, one of the smartest voice-activated personal technology wearables currently in development. Go Back to Top. Skip To: Start of Article. … [Read more...] about WIRED and Sony Prototype Product Showcase
Sony Xperia XZ2: what we want to see
Update: A photo seemingly showing the Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact has leaked, potentially giving us more clues as to the design of its larger sibling.We’re almost certainly going to get a Sony Xperia XZ2 this year, although not much is yet known about it.This phone will be a successor to the flagship Sony Xperia XZ1 and could well be the company’s main high-end handset for the year. As such, there’s a lot riding on it, but as our four-star review of the Sony Xperia XZ1 shows there’s also room for improvement in the next handset.With that in mind we’ve come up with a list of the things we most want to see. But before that you’ll find all the current leaks and information on the Xperia XZ2, including its possible price, release date and features.Cut to the chaseWhat is it? The next Sony flagshipWhen is it out? Possibly late FebruaryWhat will it cost? Likely at least $699.99/£599 (around AU$900)Sony Xperia XZ2 release date and priceThe Sony Xperia XZ2 … [Read more...] about Sony Xperia XZ2: what we want to see