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.

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.

Related Videos

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.

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.

Editors' Recommendations

Can we talk about wireless audio’s missing speedometer?
DOK-ING-XD-Speedometer

Imagine someone spending $150,000 on a Porsche that had no speedometer. “This fine sports car can do zero to 60 in under three seconds.” Uh, how do I know? “Doesn’t it feel fast when you drive it? Trust us, it’s under three seconds.” Probably wouldn’t fly, would it? 

And yet, this unlikely scenario is exactly what’s happening in the world of wireless audio. 

Read more
Both of Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds II can now be used independently
Close-up of Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II.

Bose is pushing out a software update that will grant users of its QuietComfort Earbuds II (QCE II) the ability to use either earbud independently. At launch, only the right earbud could be used on its own. To get the new software, you'll need to open the Bose Music app and connect the QCE II to your phone. If you don't see a notification to perform the update, check back later in the day as Bose says the updates will be going out on a rolling basis starting February 16.

Once the update is complete, you'll be able to use either just the left or right earbud for listening to content and taking or making calls. You'll also be able to seamlessly switch between your earbuds and if one earbud runs out of battery life or disconnects from Bluetooth, you can continue listening with the other earbud without interruption, according to Bose.

Read more
These Fruity Pebbles earbuds are a cereal junkie’s dream come true
Fruity Pebbles-themed JLab Go Air Pop wireless earbuds.

You know what we don't get enough of these days? Headphone companies doing collaborations with sugary breakfast cereal brands. Thankfully that conspicuous absence will soon be filled by JLab and Post, with two special edition sets of Fruity Pebbles-inspired products: The $35 Go Air Pop, and the $30 JBuddies Studio.

These Flintstones-themed devices will be available directly from the JLab website starting on March 7, which is National Cereal Day -- but you knew that already, didn't you? JLab provided no rationale for why it chose to engage with Post Consumer Brands on this partnership, but it's a good bet that the company has been keeping close tabs on Skullcandy -- its closest competitor -- and its recent collaborations with Doritos on earbuds and gaming headsets.

Read more