Sony Takes the ANC Pole Position with WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless Earbuds

Off-season, Sony Electronics jumped to the lead, and announced the WF-1000XM5 earbuds – the latest truly wireless model in its best-selling 1000X series. According to Sony's own internal research, using JEITA-compliant measurement guidelines, the new design offers the "Best Noise Canceling" by reducing external noise over a wide bandwidth, so users can focus on the music. While at it, Sony updated all other specs in this new flagship product, now ready for Bluetooth LE Audio.

Knowles announced the availability of KN2, a True Wireless Stereo (TWS) reference design tuned to the Knowles Preferred Listening Response Curve, incorporating results of the company's study for music listening on in-ear designs. KN2 features a state-of-art hybrid dual driver system paired with an advanced Bluetooth system-on-chip (SoC) and active noise cancellation (ANC) system along with other advanced features.

Sony unveiled the new WF-1000XM4 true wireless earbuds. Having lead the active noise cancelling category on headphones since the original WH-1000X headphones and until recently with the WH-1000XM4, Sony is now focused on leading in noise canceling and audio quality in TWS earbuds, starting with a newly designed V1 Integrated Processor, support for high-resolution audio and 360 Reality Audio, better call quality, and smart listening features, matched with an impressive 8 hour battery life with ANC.

Following previous announcements in development platforms and solutions for wireless audio, Qualcomm announced Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound, a new end-to-end approach to promote high resolution digital audio and enhanced voice communications across devices. The approach combines and optimizes multiple Qualcomm technologies for mobile platforms, processing, connectivity, plus the latest aptX Adaptive audio technologies needed to improve the sound experience for consumers.

Sound quality, superior active noise cancellation (ANC) performance and excellent passive isolation are the key focus for the new three-model premium-performance ANC headphone range from Philips TV & Sound. The 2020 range will include two high-performance true wireless (TWS) in-ear earbuds and an over-ear ANC headphone. The T8505 & T5505 true wireless models will be available in October, and the H9505 over-ear model to be available in November 2020.