Sony has launched its own pair of fully wireless
earphones, the WF-1000X. Like it's older sibling, the MDR-1000X, the WF-1000X
feature active noise cancellation and also have a couple of new tricks up its
sleeve.
The earphones are completely wireless and come with
a carrying case that also charge the individual earphones. The earphones turn
on automatically when you take them out of the case. While the pairing process
won’t be as simple on the AirPods, the presence of NFC will make things a bit
easier.
The WF-1000X feature active noise cancellation. Like
the MDR-1000X, you can turn on the ambient mode that lets you filter in outside
sound so you can hear temporarily listen to what’s going on around you. There
is also a mode that will just let you hear voices around you.
One new addition is Smart Listening. This works with
the app on your phone to figure out what you are doing. While you are traveling
in a vehicle, the app will minimize background sounds and voices and focus on
the audio. When you are walking, it will increase the background sounds so you
can listen to your surroundings. When you are standing or sitting it can turn
up the voices so you hear people or important announcements around you. Of
course, you can take control of the app and adjust things manually as well or
switch this off entirely.
The WF-1000X has a battery life of 3 hours with the
active noise cancelling on and 9 hours if you charge them with the case. In
comparison, the AirPods last for 5 hours on their own and 24 hours with the
charge from the case.
The WF-1000X is priced at US$ 199, which is more than
the US$ 159 you pay for AirPods but with none of the convenience, smart gestures
and battery life. What you do get is active noise cancellation, however, and if
that’s your priority or if you have an Android device, this might be a good
option.
