Sony has released new firmware updates for its WF-1000XM5 premium wireless earbuds and WH-1000XM5 headphones, adding support for new features introduced with the company's LinkBuds speaker as well as compatibility with the Find My Device network from Google, which may make them easier to find if they disappear away from home.
Sony announced its updated LinkBuds earbuds range a few days ago and introduced a wireless speaker. The LinkBuds speaker stands out with its new Auto Switch feature, which allows it to take over playback from wireless headphones when users stop using them. Currently, only five Sony wireless headphones are compatible with the Auto Switch feature, including the WH-1000XM5 and WF-1000XM5 once the new firmware is installed.
The updates, which also require Sony's new Sound Connect app launched this week, may make it easier to find both devices via Google's Find My Device network. However, Sony's update notes that this feature is available “only during a dedicated Classic Audio connection.” Sony doesn't provide specifics, but that could mean that only the headphone's last known location is available when it's not turned on or actively connected to an Android device, or that Find My Device isn't available when other Bluetooth -Connection modes such as “Low” latency are used.
The version 2.3.1 update for the WH-1000XM5 earbuds also includes improved security features, while the version 4.0.2 update for the WF-1000XM5 earbuds adds support for “Google Fast Pair over LE Audio priority connection” and the pairing process optimized to transfer it to an Android device.