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With Nintendo’s new handheld, gamers might need to rely on a Switch capture card again. A Nintendo Today video suggests that the maximum video capture length will again be 30 seconds. A more powerful console hasn’t resulted in upgrades to gameplay recording.
Nintendo Switch 2 home menu (Nintendo of America, Nintendo Today! app)
BolsteredNintendo Switch 2 specsshould lead to improved performance in games. Unfortunately, some capabilities haven’t matured since the original handheld. A newNintendo Today videorevealed that video captures are still limited to 30 seconds. Among other drawbacks, the restriction makes creating gameplay guides for fellow players difficult.
The latest clip in the Nintendo Today app focused onHome Menusound effects. However, viewers also caught a glimpse of how gamers will capture screenshots and videos. From the brief help menu, it appears that the process is virtually identical to the experience on the Switch. To take a screenshot, gamers press the capture button on the Joy-Con. Holding the same button saves a clip of the last 30 seconds of gameplay. Then, players can shorten the video further before saving it in the Nintendo Switch Album.
Nintendo Switch 2 video recording guide (Image source: Nintendo of America, Nintendo Today! app)
Nintendo’s previous console continuously stores 30 seconds of video in the background. The process uses a ring buffer, which holds the data in the console’s RAM. Content creators would often turn to a Switch capture card to create longer videos. The length of the recordings was partially due to how Nintendo divided system resources. With the Switch 2 specs including a faster processor and more RAM/storage, some gamers hoped to avoid additional costs.
Recently, buyers learned that the Switch 2 would ship with 12 GB of LPDDR5 memory. That’s a massive improvement from the 4 GB of RAM the original handheld offers. On the other hand, the latest console devotes 3 GB of its memory to its OS. The obvious culprit isGameChat, which may take up much of the remaining memory. Video recording, another helpful feature for sharing gameplay experiences, will also have to compete for resources.
What’s unclear is the quality of the Switch 2 screenshots and video clips. It would lessen some disappointment if it’s higher than the first console’s 720p limit.
Just as you need a cabinet to store your physical files, a storage device is essential for keeping your digital ones, such as photos, videos, documents, and more. While cloud storage has become a popular and convenient option in recent times, external storage devices such as USB flash drives and hard drives offer unique advantages. But what exactly is the difference between a USB flash drive and a hard drive?
The most obvious difference between USB flash drives and external hard drives is their size. Flash drives are much more compact and can easily fit in your pocket. Plus, they plug directly into devices like computers, so you don’t need a separate cable. In contrast, while still portable, hard drives are about the size of a passport and noticeably heavier. They also require a separate cable, which adds to what you need to carry.
The size difference between USB flash drives and external hard drives is also reflected in their storage capacity. Hard drives typically offer much larger capacities, commonly 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, and can go to even 20TB. USB flash drives, on the other hand, usually top out at around 1TB, though you can get higher capacity models like Transcend’s 2TB flash drive. The difference in storage capacity makes hard drives ideal for large backups, while flash drives are perfect for storing or transferring smaller files between your computers or even smartphones.
How do they compare in terms of speed and reliability?
External hard drives come in two main types: HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and SSD (Solid State Drive). HDDs use moving parts like spinning platters and actuator arms to read and write data. In contrast, SSDs use flash memory, similar to what’s used in USB flash drives, which allows for faster performance due to the absence of moving parts. In other words, USB flash drives are generally quicker than traditional HDDs in terms of read and write speeds, but typically slower than SSDs. That said, the data transfer speeds of both USB flash drives and external drives can vary widely depending on the specific hardware and interface.
An important factor to consider when buying an external storage device is its lifespan. Since USB flash drives have no moving parts, they are more resistant to physical shocks such as drops or bumps. The same applies to SSDs, but HDDs are more fragile due to their internal mechanical components, making them more susceptible to damage from impact.
In general, HDDs have a lifespan of around three to five years, whereas SSDs can last up to seven years, though they have a limited number of write cycles. USB flash drives, when stored in ideal conditions and used moderately, can last up to 10 years or even more.
Which one is better, a flash drive or an external hard drive?
When it comes to pricing, USB flash drives are more affordable. SSDs, on the other hand, tend to be expensive, mainly due to their superior speed and higher performance. That said, HDDs are cheaper in terms of price per GB, which makes them more appealing for storing large files. Beyond storage capacity, the prices of these devices can vary widely depending on things like the brand, speed, and interface type.
All in all, both USB flash drives and external hard drives offer distinct advantages in terms of portability, storage capacity, performance, reliability, and cost. The right choice depends on how you plan to use the device. USB flash drives are compact, easy to carry, and durable, making them ideal for transferring data between devices. In contrast, external hard drives offer greater storage capacity and faster speeds if you opt for an SSD, which makes it better suited for backing up or storing large files.
You can pick between the two depending on your usage, price, and convenience. Regardless of which one you pick, it’s generally best to avoid buying used flash drives or external hard drives, as the potential risks often outweigh the savings.
Typically, you would use an HDMI cable to connect a streaming device, laptop, or gaming console to a single display. But what if you want to show that same content on multiple TVs or monitors? That’s where an HDMI splitter can help. It is a tiny device that takes input from a single source and delivers it to multiple displays simultaneously. It has a single HDMI input port and multiple HDMI output ports.
As you can imagine, HDMI splitters can be incredibly useful in certain situations. For instance, in a classroom where multiple TVs are needed, an HDMI splitter can display the same content across all screens from a single source. Similarly, if you’re setting up a multiplayer gaming station, an HDMI splitter can help provide each player a separate screen while receiving input from a single console. However, an HDMI splitter is not ideal for setting up dual monitors. That’s because it only duplicates content, meaning you’ll see the same thing on both the displays, rather than extending your desktop across two screens.
Make sure you don’t confuse an HDMI splitter with an HDMI switch. While a splitter sends a single input to multiple displays, an HDMI switch does the exact opposite. It lets you connect multiple input devices to a single display. This is especially useful when your TV or monitor only has a single HDMI port. Instead of constantly unplugging and reconnecting devices, you can connect them all via an HDMI switch and change inputs as needed.
How to use HDMI splitters and do they affect quality?
Using an HDMI splitter is fairly straightforward. You first need to connect your source device, be it your laptop, gaming console, or a streaming box, to the input port of the HDMI splitter. Then connect the TVs or monitors to the splitter’s output ports. If the HDMI splitter requires external power, plug in its power source. Finally, turn on the source device and all connected displays. You should now see the same content on all the screens.
Most HDMI splitters do not degrade audio or video quality, so you are unlikely to experience any drop in picture or sound quality. That said, you need to ensure that the splitter you use can handle the resolution and the screen refresh rate of your source device. For instance, even if you have mastered your 4K TV settings and want to play PS5 but the splitter only supports 1080p, you won’t be able to game in 4K.
The displays you use also matter. If you are using two TVs that support different resolutions, the HDMI splitter will default to the lower resolution on both screens. Similarly, you need to ensure that the HDMI splitter you’re using supports features like HDR and Dolby Atmos. Plus, the cables you use to connect your input and output devices also play a critical role. To ensure the best performance, you need to pick high-quality, compatible HDMI cables.
We’re already familiar with the paid upgrades, but there are also many Switch 1 games that are getting free upgrades for the Switch 2 on its launch day. Nintendo has now published the list of 12 titles, which include Mario, Pokémon and Zelda.
The Switch 2 will provide popular games from its predecessor with a free upgrade. (Image source: Nintendo)
In addition to the paidupgrade packsforThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildandTears of the Kingdom, each costing $9.99, andKirbyand theLost LandandSuper Mario Party Jamboree, each costing $19.99, Nintendo is also optimizing popularSwitch 1titles free of charge for the Switch 2. The complete list includes 12 titles, all of which will be available for the console’s launch on June 5, 2025:
Pokémon™:
Pokémon CrimsonandPokémon Violetwill be graphically optimized for the Switch 2 and will have a higher frame rate for smoother gameplay.
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxewill receive an upgrade for better graphics on the handheld and connected TVs.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Furywill also be graphically enhanced, with HDR support and GameShare support, allowing four people to play Super Mario 3D World and two players to play Bowser’s Fury together (one Mario, one Bowser).Bowser’s Furywill also receive HDR support.
Super Mario Odysseewill be graphically enhanced, with HDR support and GameShare support, allowing two people to play simultaneously (one Mario, one Cappy).
Google has some new accessibility features to talk about(Image credit: Google)
Google has updates for Global Accessibility Awareness Day
The new features cover Android and Google Chrome
You can now ask Gemini questions about images on screen
We’ve already seen a bunch of updatesfor Apple productsin honor of Global Accessibility Awareness Day this week, and now it’s Google’s turn – with four important upgrades on the way to Android and Chrome.
As per the officialblog post, the TalkBack screen reader feature in Android is getting some extra smarts, on top of the existing Gemini-powered functionality. The feature provides image descriptions for blind and low-vision users, even when no alt text is provided.
Now, you’ll be able to ask Gemini follow-up questions about the image that’s showing on screen – so if you need to know what color something is, or what else is showing in the picture, Gemini will be able to help out.
There’s also an update to Expressive Captions, which provides on-screen subtitles for anything with audio on your phone. Those subtitles will now reflect drawn on words, so you’ll be able to tell the difference between “no” and “noooooooooo”, Google says.
Page Zoom in Android can now zoom on text only(Image credit: Google)
We’ve got some accessibility improvements to talk about with Google Chrome, too. First up, scanned PDFs are getting Optical Character Recognition (OCR), which means you’ll be able to search for text inside them, and copy that text somewhere else.
For Chrome on Android, Page Zoom (above) is adding a feature to let you increase the size of text on pages, without affecting anything else (like images or layouts). To set up the feature, tap the three dots (top right) in a tab, thenSettings > Accessibility.
Google is also improving speech recognition technologies around the world, giving developers more resources for non-standard speech patterns and non-English languages, as part of its ongoingProject Euphoriainitiative.
Finally, a full suite of accessibility features are on the way to Google’s Bluebook app, which can be used as a testing platform. Upgrades for dictation and the screen reader tech should make the app more accessible than ever.
Google shines a light on Chromebook accessibility tools to help make classrooms more inclusive for everyone.
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What you need to know
Google is putting the spotlight on how Chromebooks are making school way more accessible, especially for students with disabilities.
ChromeVox will soon turn audio captions into braille when connected to a braille display.
Natural-sounding “read aloud” voices are now built right in Chrome’s Reading Mode, which is great news for students with dyslexia or reading struggles.
Google is spotlighting howChromebooksare helping students with disabilities thrive in observance of the Global Accessibility Awareness Day.
In ablog post, Tricia Davis-Muffett, a senior director at Google for Education, shared how Google’s approach to accessibility on Chromebooks is making education more inclusive.
Some students can’t use a mouse or keyboard easily, Davis-Muffett noted. This is where Chromebook’s Face Control steps in, literally letting students navigate their devices with facial gestures such as head tilts and eyebrow raises instead of mouse clicks.
Googlerolled out this feature in January with ChromeOS 132, and it’s based on Android’s Project Gameface.
On top of this feature, the tech giant announced today that ChromeVox, the built-in screen reader for Chromebooks, is getting a nifty upgrade. Soon, when connected to a braille display, it’ll convert audio captions into braille.
That means students with visual impairments can independently read what’s on screen without waiting for anyone else to catch them up.
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ChromeVox, Google’s built-in screen reader, was introduced in Chrome OS version 56.
Furthermore, for visually impaired students (and keyboard power users), Caret Browsing lets them move through a webpage using only their keyboard. It drops a blinking cursor on the page, like in a Word document, and it’s all arrow keys and tab navigation from there.
Google also highlights Chrome’s Reading Mode, touting that it now offers a “read aloud” feature with natural-sounding voices. This feature is particularly beneficial for students who struggle with dyslexia or other reading challenges. And because it’s baked right into Chromebooks, there’s no need for third-party software.
If you’re taking the SAT or AP exams on a Chromebook, the College Board’s Bluebook app now works hand-in-hand with ChromeOS accessibility features like Dictation and ChromeVox. This eliminates the need for separate testing accommodations.
The best part is that these tools aren’t tucked away or hidden behind premium paywalls since they’re baked into Chromebooks and ready to go from the first login. Google also highlights how partner apps from the Google for Education App Hub are building even more support on top of these features.
The streamlining of the Surface lineup continues, as Microsoft sticks with what it knows will work.
Microsoftis no longer producing theSurface Laptop Studio 2, its most powerful laptop that folds forward to create an easel. There are no rumors of a Surface Laptop Studio 3, suggesting that Microsoft is cutting the hybrid laptop — the only one with a discrete GPU — from its lineup.
The news comes fromThe Verge, which reports that the Laptop Studio 2 ended production earlier this month, and that the system will be pronounced as “end of life” next month.
Resellers confirmed toThe Vergethat Microsoft ceased manufacturing and would continue to provide software and driver updates for the Surface Laptop Studio 2.
The Surface Laptop Studio 2 is being put out to pasture quietly, much like other devices that the company has sunset. The Surface Studio, a desktop PC that folded down into a creative studio for drawing, wasformally discontinued in Decemberwithout a successor. Microsoft’s audio products, the Surface Headphones 2 and Surface Earbuds, have also quietly disappeared.
The Surface Laptop Studio’s discontinuance comes at a hazy time for the Surface brand. On the one hand, two new devices — theSurface Pro 12-inch and Surface Laptop 13-inch— were just announced and are set to release next week. On the other hand, the lineup lost its champion,former chief Panos Panay, who left Microsoft forAmazonin 2023,reportedly over budget issuesand product cancellations. Panay wassucceeded by Pavan Davuluri.
Since Panay’s departure, the lineup has been cut down to just the Surface Laptop, Surface Pro, and the Surface Go 4, the latter of which is only sold to business customers at the moment.
Without the Surface Laptop Studio, Microsoft has removed systems with discrete GPUs from its hardware lineup, potentially alienating creatives and gamers. Prior to the Surface Laptop Studio, Microsoft’s powerhouse system was the Surface Book, which combined a tablet with a base featuring a discrete GPU.
Besides featuring raw horsepower, the Surface Laptop Studio and Surface Book were also fairly unique designs that attempted to push system designs forward. Clamshell laptops are table stakes, and many OEMs offer their own versions of the Surface Pro’s tablet design. It seems that Microsoft is experimenting less and focusing more on what it knows already works.
Microsoft has been streamlining other areas, too, including its own workforce. This week, the company cut about 6,000 employees, or approximately 3% of its workforce. The company is also focusing more on AI (in Windows and elsewhere), and putting its Xbox Studios games on other systems, like the PlayStation 5.
When we reviewed the Surface Laptop Studio 2, we praised Microsoft for adding ports over the original, while prioritizing quiet operation and a bright display. But the company had used a lower-power GPU capped at 80W of power, and the system was expensive.
The best of the XM4 and XM5 in one new pair of cans
Verdict
The Sony WH-1000XM6 are a fantastic pair of over-ear headphones that combine the best design elements of their predecessors, while levelling up the sonic and ANC capabilities of what came before. With super-clean touch controls, an ultra-comfy fit and a ton of features at your disposal, there’s a lot to love about these headphones, even if they do come at quite the cost.
TheSonyWH-1000XM6 are here to try to cement Sony’s status as the go-to brand for headphones, three years after the release of its previous flagship model.
Sony says that the WH-1000XM6 are “the best noise cancelling product on the market” as well as being “improved in every single way” over previous models – talk about setting a high bar. But thankfully, they manage to jump that bar on almost every metric.
As you may expect, the Sony WH-1000XM6 offer expressive and clean audio from a new 30mm driver alongside a new QN3 processor, featuring a ‘noise shaper’ that levels up digital to analogue conversion and pre-empts sudden sound changes, resulting in a more controlled listening experience. There’s also a more balanced sound signature out of the gate, which doesn’t compromise on punchy bass, rich mids or energetic treble.
The new QN3 processor also harnesses the power of 12 microphones – four more than last time – to serve up truly incredible noise cancelling capabilities. These supply better ANC than the majority of thebest noise cancelling headphonesout there. Yes, they even stand up to the critically acclaimedBose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, which have ruled the noise cancelling roost since their launch. When on public transport, walking near traffic or working away in the office, I had either near-silence or total silence, enabling me to indulge in beautifully isolated listening sessions.
But that’s not all. There are a ton more features to get your teeth sunk into via Sony’s Sound Connect app. There’s adaptive sound control, LDAC and DSEE Extreme, extensive EQ options, Cinema mode for immersive audio, and Auracast – among others. Almost everything you could want from a premium pair of cans is here, all in one place.
On top of that, there’s an updated design, which compiles the best of what theSony WH-1000XM5and theSony WH-1000XM4had to offer. See, foldability is back from the XM4 era, and I think the majority of people will be grateful for that.
There are new, more durable hinges (the XM5 had a hinge issue) and a slightly smaller magnetic carry case as well. But the sleeker look of the XM5 has still been largely maintained.
There’s an evolution of what came before too, with a wider headband for increased comfort and a more snug fit around the neck when the headphones are out of use. Overall, you’re getting a fantastic combination of style and comfort, though some may still feel that the earcups are atadchunky.
Other incremental improvements include the ability to charge while streaming over Bluetooth, refined touch controls and better call quality. And when all the little adjustments come together, it’s clear – these are thebest Sony headphonesproduced to date.
Still, there are a few areas in which the WH-1000XM6 fall just short of their rivals. You get 30 hours of battery life with ANC, which is by no means bad, but lots of rivals (even much cheaper ones) beat that, and some can double it.
On top of that, they are quite expensive. At $449 / £399 / AU$699, these are $50 / £20 / AU$50 pricier than their predecessors were at launch. And given the WH-1000XM5 are now widely available for around $300 / £250, some may be a little tentative at taking the plunge on Sony’s newest flagship headphones.
Finally, the newly releasedBowers & Wilkins Px7 S3are the same price in the UK (US release and pricing tbc), but soundeven betterthan these Sony over-ears. Sure, they don’t quite match the XM6 on ANC or features overall, but they’re clearly better sound for the price.
All in all, though, the Sony WH-1000XM6 still have a strong claim to be some of thebest headphonesaround, with their noise-crushing ANC being the real highlight. Their treasure trove of features and talented audio performance also help them to stand tall in a convoluted market, and the design tweaks meld all the highlights from their ancestral lineage. Sure, they’re pricey, but if you’re willing to splash the cash, you’ll almost certainly love Sony’s latest release.
CP1254-A4 Battery for Sony WF-1000X WF-1000XM3 WF-SP700N
Sony WH-1000XM6 review: price & release date
$449 / £400 / AU$699
Launched on May 15th, 2025
The Sony WH-1000XM6 launched in May 2025, three years after the preceeding WH-1000XM5 model. Sony is unclear on the exact release date at the time of publishing, stating just that they’ll be available “from May” in the UK/US, while Sony Australia says you can get them “from June 2025. Pre-order available from May 16th, 2025.”
At launch, they’re available in three colorways: Black; Silver; and Midnight Blue. However, there could be scope for more color variants in the future – we saw theXM5 adopt a new Smoky Pink only back in September 2024.
At the point of release, the Sony WH-1000XM6 cost $449 / £399 / AU$699. That’s $50 / £20 more than their predecessors launched at. This price puts Sony’s flagship cans up against the likes of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 – more on those later, but basically they’reverymuch in the premium range.
Despite the slight price bump over their predecessors, these are still notably cheaper than theApple AirPods Max– which have a huge list price of $549 / £549 / AU$899.
Battery life may not wow, but in-use charging is now here
When I attended the launch of the Sony WH-1000XM6, Sony described its new flagship headphones as “the best noise-cancelling product on the market”. And the ANC is far and away the standout feature these headphones have in their arsenal.
You’re getting some of the best noise cancellation that any headphones can offer with the XM6. ANC has been improved over the XM5 thanks to Sony’s new QN3 noise cancelling processor, which harnesses twelve microphones to shut out the world around you.
Even when compared to the awesome Bose QuietComfort Ultra, the XM6 perform exceptionally well. I tried both pairs of headphones while vacuuming my home and walking in high-traffic areas, among other tasks, and each dealt with external noise fantastically.
But in my experience, the XM6 performed ever so slightly better, producing a minimum of near-silence from the outside at 60-70% volume in each test. Rest assured – these really are the real deal as far as ANC is concerned.
I also tested the XM6’s noise cancelling capabilities at Sony’s 5020 studio in Madrid, before doing real-world testing. While there, I played a song at about 50% volume with a bunch of people chatting around me and the outside world was totally shut out – it was just me and my music. At one stage, a super-harsh static sound was blasted at the studio and that slightly crept through. It was dampened severely, though, and I was barely disturbed.
If you want to be more aware of your surroundings – fear not – there’s a very fleshed-out Ambient Sound mode. This includes a slider that ranges from 1 to 20 and lets more exterior noise seep through the higher you go. On top of that, there’s a voice passthrough checkbox, which filters through speech while still suppressing other noises.
Ambient mode worked very nicely for me; I could easily hear the sound of typing in my office, murmurs from a nearby conversation and doors opening. Also, it’s worth noting Auto Ambient Sound mode, which adjusts volume of ambient sounds depending on noise levels around you.
But another one of my favorite features on the Sony WH-1000XM6 is their excellent touch controls. Something that may seem gimmicky, but is actually incredibly helpful, is that you can cup your hand over the right earcup to smoothly, yet drastically reduce media volume and dampen noise cancelling effects.
This isn’t new to the XM6, but it’s really worth highlighting. I found it incredibly useful in an office environment when a colleague wanted to talk with me, or if I was in a story and didn’t want to rip the cans off. In fact, I didn’t even bother turning on the Speak-to-Chat function, because this option is so responsive.
Generally, the XM6 have the most consistent, intuitive touch controls I’ve ever used on a pair of headphones. On the right earcup, you can slide your finger up or down and hold it in position to continually raise or lower volume respectively. That’s an improvement over the XM5, which required you to constantly flick up or down to amend loudness.
You can also double tap to pause music and flick forwards or backwards to skip or return to the previous track. Touch controls are locked to the right earcup only, much like the WH-1000XM5 model.
And there are plenty of returning features from the previous model to enjoy. Of course, you’ve got the likes of multi-point connectivity, wear detection and a good app in Sony Sound Connect.
But there’s more: adaptive sound control, which adjusts audio output depending on your environment and movement; head gesture monitoring for taking or rejecting calls; and voice assistant compatibility.
There are a few new nuggets to uncover as far as features go, however. Perhaps one of the biggest inclusions isAuracast. This is a type of Bluetooth technology that enables you to tune into an audio broadcast transmitted from a phone, TV or similar device without any pairing.
Furthermore, you can now mute the mic on the XM6 by simply double pressing the noise cancelling button. You’ll need to enable this in settings, but it’s ultra useful when on aMicrosoftTeams or Slack call, for instance.
There’s only one real area where the Sony WH-1000XM6 failed to impress me as far as features: its battery life. You’re getting 30 hours of playtime from this model, which is by no means bad – it’s the same you’ll get on the XM5 and a whole host of rivals. But there are some cans that are capable of more. TheSennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless, for example, can go 60 hours with ANC on – now that’s impressive.
Still, you can charge the XM6 while using them now, and even get three hours of playtime from just three minutes of charging – that is if you have a USB PD charger around.
If you’re looking for over-ears with highly astute call quality, you can trust the XM6 to deliver. The strongest example of this was a demo at Sony’s 5020 Studio in Madrid, in which someone make a call in an artificially noisy environment – and after placing the XM6 on, their voice was totally separated from clamoring and noise littering their surroundings.
In my real-world use, my own speech came through cleanly when making phone calls to family and friends, with vocals sounding crisp. That’s in part thanks to the additional beamforming mics used on the XM6 – there are six this time and they help to shift focus towards the mouth – while AI also enters the fray to scoop out external sounds.
DSEE extreme and LDAC for improved Bluetooth streaming
Default tuning is great, but great EQ options also available
Like their predecessors, the Sony WH-1000XM6 use a 30mm driver, rather than the larger 40mm one used for the legendary XM4 model. But the driver itself is new and improved, designed to offer more balanced audio across all frequencies.
That QN3 processor I mentioned earlier also includes a ‘noise shaper’, which refines digital to analogue conversion and enables the cans to anticipate sudden sound changes, intended to reduce distortion and produce a more controlled listening experience.
So, yes, there’s plenty of flashy new tech in the XM6 headphones, but do they actually deliver a premium audio performance? Short answer: yes. You’ll get a rhythmic, detailed, and well-balanced listen with the Sony WH-1000XM6 that still doesn’t skimp on punchy bass and exciting treble output. And that’s regardless of whether you’re listening with ANC turned on or off.
For instance, I tuned intoFluffyby Himiko Kikuchi – a laid-back jazzy track – and expressive piano sounded pleasantly forward, while full-sounding smooth bass and tightly controlled percussion accompanied subtle strings dancing through the track.
The balanced output across all frequencies is really pleasing, and there does seem to be a bit less emphasis on the low-end compared to Sony’s previous pair of flagship cans – at least out of the box.
The default EQ calibration is certainly even enough to ensure you can hear those finer details across the frequency range. No need to worry about overbearing bass, harsh treble or overly recessed mids.
When tuning intoI Want Youby Moloko, I was struck by the breathy vocals, impactful and response cymbal hits and pumping, yet disciplined bass output. This song adds instrument after instrument as it unfolds, resulting in a densely layered climax. Yet the XM6 had the capability to keep things in check, maintaining clear, distortion-free audio throughout.
There’s some incredibly stiff competition for Sony’s new headphones. I tested out a number of rivals, including the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3.
Vocals and some finer details sounded slightly clearer on the XM6 compared to Bose’s effort, though the latter did still sound great considering you can now regularly scoop them up for closer to $350 / £350.
The Px7 S3 launched mere weeks before the XM6 at essentially the same price-point (at least in the UK) and I found they had a slightly more luxury sound. They could lift vocals out of the mix and push them forwards a little more precisely than the XM6, and their open, spatial-sounding audio output was truly hypnotizing.
You get slightly better ANC from the Sony XM6, plus I found the Sony cans to be more comfortable – but if we’re talking pure sound, you could do a little better for the same price.
But still, there are plenty of ways to get a sound that matches your style with the XM6. To truly adapt them to your palate, head over to Sony’s Sound Connect app and get playing with EQ adjustment.
You have a few options here: Find Your Equalizer, which lets you pick the sound signature that suits your tastes best; presets, including Heavy, Clear and Game; or custom EQ, which lets you manually create your own calibration with a 10-band equalizer.
And there’s even more to experiment with in the Sound Connect app that can elevate your listening to the next level. Specifically, you get access to DSEE Extreme, a technology that up-mixes lower quality audio files to bring out the most detailed, quality-sounding audio possible. This works really well on music platforms such as Spotify, which is yet to offer higher-resolution streaming.
There’s also LDAC, which enables you to access ‘hi-res’ Bluetooth listening. And if you want to keep it old-school, there’s also a 3.5mm port on the headphones, as well as a cable in the box so you can engage in wired listening.
The Sony WH-1000XM6 are designed for more than just music listening, though. There’s improved width to the XM6’s soundstage, which is useful if you’re watching movies or TV series on your phone, for instance. And on top of that, there’s a cinema listening mode, which harnesses Sony’s 360 Reality Audio Upmix and can convert a stereo signal into an immersive, wraparound sonic experience.
I tried watchingThe Boy and the Heronon Netflix in Cinema mode and was impressed by the expansiveness and directionality of audio. Voices, for instance, may not have been as crystal clear as Standard mode, but if immersion is what you’re chasing, it’s well worth checking out.
There’s also a Background Music option, which can make your music sound as if it’s playing in a café or living room. Spatial audio and head tracking are included too – but will only work on certain devices that support Android’s built-in head tracking, and this doesn’t includeSamsungphones (and obviously rules outAppledevices).
Sound quality score: 4.5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Sony WH-1000XM6 review: design
Foldability is back and better than before
Ultra-comfortable headband
Some may find them to be a little bulky
New magnetic case is much more convenient
The WH-1000XM6 may not look drastically different to their predecessor, but Sony’s made a handful of small tweaks that I really appreciate.
Stitching on the front of the headband is gone in favor of a smoother, more premium look, and the headband itself is a little wider for improved comfort.
The earcups also fit more seamlessly around the neck in a downward facing position, which is super useful if you’re on the go or just need to stop for a chat.
There’s one major difference between the XM6 and the XM5, though, and that’s the reintroduction of a folding headband. Controversially, the XM5 ditched this in favor of a single-hinge, slimmer look – but XM4 fans, it’s your lucky day.
There are new, more durable hinges on the XM6 that enable them to neatly fold into a new magnetically closed carry case – this isn’t the smallest or the most flashy, but is still assembled to a high standard.
They also don’t fold up as compactly as headphones like theMarshall Monitor III ANCorAnker Soundcore Space One Pro, say, so are not quite pocketable – but it’s nice to packing in a bag.
But how do the headphones look and feel in-use? Pretty good all round! They’ve been designed in a way that makes them appear more straight on your head, rather than curved inward. That wider headband I mentioned also goes a long way in improving comfort for multi-hour listening sessions. Pair that with beautifully padded earcups and easily accessible buttons and there’s not much more I could ask for.
There are a few minor things I don’t loveabout the design of the XM6, though. First of all, the earcups look quite bulky, meaning you’re not getting the most sleek, stylish look compared to something like theSonos Ace.
The color options, while classy, also feel a little bit safe. I would’ve liked to see a more vibrant option thrown in there, or even the Smoky Pink variant – which was released as a late addition to the XM5 lineup – available from the get-go.
Finally, there’s still no waterproofing on this new model. That’s usually the case for over-ear headphones, but it would’ve been nice to see Sony lead the way with some kind of water resistance rating.
All in all, though, there’s still so much to love about the XM6 design-wise. They have a premium-looking, almost paper-like matte consistency to the casing’s finish. And they’re nice and light once again, weighing in at just 254g.
There are two physical buttons – one to turn the headphones off and on or pair via Bluetooth and one to toggle between noise cancelling modes or mute the mic during calls.
Design score: 4.5/5
Sony WH-1000XM6 review: value
A very premium price, no question
Truly awesome noise cancelling and great audio quality
Best of both worlds from previous two gens
Let’s address the elephant in the room. The Sony WH-1000XM6 are a pricey pair of headphones. And they’re also more expensive than their predecessor at launch. Yep, these come in at $449 / £400 / AU$699, which is $50 / £20 / AU$50 more than the XM5 at the point of release.
Of course, there have been economic issues for Sony and co to deal with, and there are a number of significant improvements on this model. But nonetheless, it’s a lot to pay for some over-ears considering there are so many excellent competitors floating around for considerably less.
For example, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra – which offer incredible noise cancelling capabilities, adept audio and a nice selection of smart features – are now more than a year-old, so you can find them on sale for under $350 / £350 pretty regularly. That’s a great deal less than the new XM6.
Even the WH-1000XM5 are now widely sold for around $300 / £250. And spending that extra $150 / £150 to get the newest instalment, won’t be a clear-cut decision for everyone, though I think the XM6 make the case for themselves.
But let’s give the XM6 their flowers. In terms of ANC, it really doesn’t get much better than this. You get top-tier isolation as well as fantastic sound quality, a boat-load of features and a design that marries the best of the XM4 and XM5 together. Sure, you may prefer the Bowers & Wilkins Px& S3 for sound, but the WH-1000XM6 are still, undoubtedly, among 2025’s verybest over-ear headphones.
Value score: 4/5
Buy them if…
You want incredible noise cancellation The Sony WH-1000XM6 plate up seriously impressive noise cancellation capabilities. Seriously, I could barely hear anything other than my favorite tunes when using these cans, even when walking in areas with heavy traffic or while vacuuming. If you’re sick of hearing the clicking and clacking of the train on your daily commute – or maybe your neighbor’s non-stop DIY projects, it might be time to snap these cans up.
You want top-tier features These Sony cans supply no end of features to mess around with. You get adaptive noise cancelling, cinema upmixing, ‘hi-res’ music streaming options, Find Your Equalizer… need I say more? Pretty much everything you could ever want from some headphones is at your fingertips with the XM6. Just download the Sound Connect app and you’re off.
Don’t buy them if…
You’re on a budget At $450 / £400, these over-ears are hardly wallet-friendly. You can get a lot of the features from the XM5 for far less, and there are some awesome affordable options out there such as the1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51, which pack ANC, solid sound and wonderful battery life for less than $100 / £100.
You want bundles of playtime Now don’t get me wrong, 30 hours of playtime with ANC on isn’t too bad. It’s just not anything special either. The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless deliver an astonishingly high 60-hour battery life. And that’s with ANC on!
Suddenly LUTs are everywhere, but exactly what is a LUT? They’ve been in video editors for years but now they’re in cameras and even photo editors
What is a LUT? It’s like an instant conversion profile that can be used to correct colors and tones but can also be used for creative effects(Image credit: Rod Lawton)
If you’re wondering what is a LUT, you’re not alone – the phrase has only entered the mainstream imaging lexicon fairly recently, but it has certainly spread like wildfire.
LUT is an abbreviation. It stands for lookup table, a rather dry and dusty definition that doesn’t even hint at what LUTs can do. And while they’re primarily used by video folks, they can also be employed in photography post-production as well.
They have two main uses in videography and editing/grading. One is to convert images from one color space or profile to another – for example, if you’ve shot in aSonylog profile and you need to convert that to a regular color space for editing and sharing.
The second, increasingly popular use, is to apply creative tonal and color shifts for stylized ‘looks’.
LUTs are not just another type of picture style or simulation. They are, very literally, conversion tables that take pixel values from the original image or video, and change them to other pixel values with various tone and color shifts.
If you’re into color-managed desktop printing, you’ll be familiar with custom ‘printer profiles’ and ‘monitor profiles’. It’s a bit like that, but often used for creative purposes, not just color correction.
For this explanation I’ll stick to ‘creative’ LUTs, since this is the major trend right now. The way they work means you can shift colors and tones in any direction you like, for cross-processing effects, black-and-white filter effects and just about any other effect you can carry out with color and tone adjustments.
There are no sliders or adjustments with LUTs; they just do what they do. There are tools you can use to design your own LUTs, such asfylm.ai, for example.
This is probably a job for color grading experts, though, because there are many subtleties involved in producing effective and attractive color and tonal shifts that can be applied across a range of images/videos.
That’s the first thing to know about LUTs. It sounds a limitation, but a properly-designed LUT can be a friend for life. Once you start trying them out you will quickly find favorites that you will want to use again and again.
But perhaps the key point about LUTs is that they use a standardized .cube format that can be used across multiple devices and editors. You could load a LUT that you love in yourvideo editing softwareinto yourPanasonic Lumix S9, for example, or use the same LUT in yourphoto editing software.
Not all photo editors support LUTs, and some use them (incorrectly) as an effect filter mixed in with the other editing tools. It’s best to think of LUTs as a kind of pre-processing treatment ahead of your actual editing. If you work inLightroomyou’ll be familiar with Profiles, which do a similar job – though it would be nice if Lightroom used LUTs instead!
So are LUTs the future? For videographers, they are an important technical and creative tool. For stills photographers, presets and filters do the same job with a little more control – but even here, once you’ve found some favorite LUTs, there’s often no going back.
Fitbit has announced three new features for users of its wearables: Medical record navigator, Symptom check and Unusual trends. These tools are currently available for some users to test as part of the Fitbit Labs program. The company notes that only some users are currently eligible and invited to join via the app.
Fitbit is allowing some users to test three new features in its ap
Fitbit has announced three new features, which are available throughFitbit Labs. This is an app-based testing program available for some users, allowing them to try out and get feedback on upcoming functionality.
The first feature is the Medical record navigator. It is said to help users to understand complex lab records, presumably like the results of a blood test. Users can upload an image or PDF of a report to the Fitbit app, with Gemini providing a summary in layman’s terms. There is also a new Symptom checker allowing users to describe how they feel. Examples prompts provided in the blog post include “my head hurts” and “I feel tired”. Users may then be asked some follow-up questions, with the tool offering an explanation of their symptoms.
Finally, Unusual trends is another new health-tracking feature. It helps you to spot instances where your health is below your baseline, looking at metrics like resting heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV) and sleep. For all three of these new tools, Fitbit makes it clear that they cannot diagnose or prevent any medical conditions, encouraging users to seek medical advice if these tools flag anything out of the ordinary.
If you are eligible, you will see Fitbit Labs in the ‘You’ and ‘Today’ tabs for the Fitbit app or through a ‘Now’ card. These customers will either be able to start testing immediately or join the waiting list. It is worth noting that, by signing up, you must agree to share data for research and development purposes. If you cannot see the Fitbit Labs section in the app, then you are likely to be ineligible for the time being. However, Fitbit notes that these trials may become available to more users in the future. It remains to be seen when the new Fitbit Medical record navigator, Symptom checker and Unusual trends tools will officially launch for all users.
