Skip to main content

Bluetooth Multipoint finally arrives on Sony’s best wireless earbuds

Let’s categorize this one under “better late than never.” Sony has finally released a software update for its flagship wireless earbuds — the WF-1000XM4 — that gives them a much-needed feature: the ability to connect the buds to two devices simultaneously, otherwise known as Bluetooth Multipoint.

Sony WF-1000XM4 True Wireless In-Ear Headphones in their charging case.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

When Sony originally announced the new feature, it said the update would be made available in November 2022. That timing materialized for the other two Sony products that were slated to get Multipoint (the LinkBuds and LinkBuds S), but for some reason, the XM4 were left out. Today, however, it was spotted by What Hi-Fi, and we can confirm that the update is now available if you open the Sony Headphones app on your phone and connect your WF-1000XM4.

Be prepared for a bit of a wait once you start the update process. It took me more than 30 minutes just to download and transfer the new software to the earbuds before the actual update could begin.

Recommended Videos

Once it’s complete, you should be offered the ability to connect the earbuds to any previously paired device or connect to a new device. Keep in mind, while it’s possible to be connected to two devices simultaneously, you can only play audio from one of those devices at a time. When paired to two devices, the Sony Headphones app will only be able to work on one of them — but you can pick which one. The app will display the earbuds’ status and features regardless of whether playback is coming from the device with the app or not.

I’m also happy to see that enabling simultaneous device connections hasn’t affected the WF-1000XM4’s ability to use Sony’s high-quality LDAC Bluetooth codec when connected to a compatible phone like a Google Pixel 7 Pro.

The addition is a welcome one. When I reviewed the WF-1000XM4 shortly after they launched, I was hard-pressed to find anything I didn’t like about them. But the fact that they arrived without Bluetooth Multipoint struck me as an unfortunate decision given that so many wireless earbuds — at almost all prices — now typically offer it.

Nonetheless, I awarded the WF-1000XM4 a 9/10 for all of the other things these great wireless earbuds got right. Once I’ve had a chance to test out the new Multipoint feature, I’ll give some thought as to whether or not that score should be revised.

Simon Cohen
Simon Cohen is a contributing editor to Digital Trends' Audio/Video section, where he obsesses over the latest wireless…
JBL has added every conceivable feature to its Tour Pro 3 wireless buds
JBL Tour Pro 3.

JBL's new Tour Pro 3 wireless earbuds should really be called the JBL Tour de Force. The company's second-gen Tour Pro were already the most feature-studded earbuds we've ever seen, complete with a touchscreen on the charging case, and yet the Tour Pro 3 go further. Much further. The price has gone up too -- they'll cost $300 when they become available for purchase on September 22.

At a glance, the third-gen looks the same as before, whether you get them in black or "latte." Physically, the shape of the earbuds is unchanged. However, the case is a little smaller, while offering a 30% larger screen. It can also act as a retransmitter of both analog and digital audio when you use the included cables to plug it into computers, smartphones, or in-flight seat-back entertainment systems.

Read more
Bowers & Wilkins’ wireless earbuds get a massive redesign
Bowers & Wilkins Pi8.

Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) has completely revamped its wireless earbuds with a new shape for greater comfort, hi-res and lossless audio, better single-charge battery life, and the ability to connect to two devices simultaneously. Its new flagship, the Pi8, is available starting August 21 for $399, while the midrange Pi6 will follow in early September for $249. Both will be available in a choice of four colors.

The Bowers & Wilkins Pi6.\ Bowers & Wilkins

Read more
AptX Adaptive vs. aptX HD vs. LDAC: Which Bluetooth codec is the best?
Man wearing KEF Mu7 wireless noise-canceling headphones.

Most folks go about their daily lives and never think about Bluetooth codecs. And who can blame them? Why worry about which codec your wireless headphones and/or smartphone are using as long as everything works when you hit play in your favorite streaming music app?

And yet, depending on your gear, your choice of Bluetooth codec could give you better sound quality than you're currently getting. We're going to take a look at three of the best options -- aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, and LDAC -- but before we do, let's address an important caveat. If you mostly listen to lossy digital music (e.g., all music currently on Spotify) or if you own an iPhone, you can stop right here.

Read more