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Your Sony headphones just got a useful Bluetooth upgrade with the latest software patch

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Android expanded support for LE Audio to select Sony headphones and earbuds.

Users can access the new audio features in a firmware update in the Sony Headphones Connect app.

LE Audio support requires compatible Sony headphones and a compatible Android smartphone.

A recent Sony firmware update brings much-welcome functionality upgrades to Sony's flagship over-ear headphones and earbuds. Updating the firmware of the WH-1000XM5 or WH-1000XM6 unlocks Audio Sharing via Bluetooth LE Audio and provides compatibility with Google's Gemini Live AI assistant.

Just last month, Google expanded LE Audio compatibility to more Android phones, as well as Sony's WF-1000XM5, WH-1000XM5, WH-1000XM6, InZone Buds, LinkBuds Open, LinkBuds S, LinkBuds Fit, and InZone H9 II.

Also: I compared Sony's XM6 headphones with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra - this pair wins

The Audio Sharing update allows users with a compatible Sony headphone model and an Android phone to share their device's audio with another person wearing compatible headphones while also using a compatible smartphone. All of the broadcaster's device audio is shared, including music, YouTube and TikTok videos, as well as TV shows or movies from a streaming service. However, phone calls are not broadcast to the other listener.

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