Sony just pushed a major firmware update that transforms how its flagship headphones connect and interact. The WF-1000XM5 earbuds and WH-1000XM6 headphones now support Google's Gemini Live AI assistant and Bluetooth LE Audio sharing - features that could reshape how people share music and interact with their devices. The update arrives as audio brands race to integrate AI capabilities into premium hardware.
Sony just flipped the script on premium headphone functionality. The company's latest firmware update for its WF-1000XM5 earbuds and WH-1000XM6 headphones doesn't just patch bugs - it fundamentally changes how these devices connect, share, and respond to users. The update, rolling out now through Sony's Sound Connect mobile app, brings two headline features that audio enthusiasts have been waiting for: seamless music sharing and direct access to Google's Gemini Live AI assistant.
The most immediate game-changer is Audio Sharing with Fast Pair, powered by Bluetooth LE Audio's Auracast functionality. This isn't just another connectivity trick - it's a complete rethink of how people experience audio together. With compatible Android phones (including recent Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, and OnePlus models), users can now pair two sets of headphones simultaneously to share whatever they're listening to. But Sony and Google went further: you can create private broadcasts for entire groups, with people connecting via QR codes or Google Fast Pair.
Google announced in early September it was expanding Android's BLE Audio capabilities to several models of Sony's headphones, setting the stage for this update. The timing isn't coincidental - both companies are positioning themselves at the center of the emerging shared audio ecosystem, competing directly with Apple's more limited AirPods sharing features.
The Gemini Live integration represents Sony's first major AI push in its headphone lineup. Users can now access Google's conversational AI assistant directly through their headphones, creating a hands-free experience that goes well beyond traditional voice commands. This puts Sony's flagship models on equal footing with competing products that already offer native AI assistants.
