Sony is releasing a software update for its WH-1000XM6 headphones and WF-1000XM5 earbuds, introducing support for Gemini Live and enabling audio sharing with other devices through Fast Pair.
The update for the WH-1000XM6 is identified as version 3.0 and includes both features. Information about the WF-1000XM5 update was initially reported by a Discord user named winner00, while the publication independently identified the WH-1000XM6 update. The addition of audio sharing via Fast Pair aligns the Sony devices with audio features introduced in Android 16. This function allows users to broadcast audio from their phone to multiple compatible headphones or earbuds simultaneously.
The feature is an implementation of Google’s Audio Share technology, which is designed to stream a single audio source to as many as 20 devices at once. With the update, owners of the WH-1000XM6 and WF-1000XM5 can use this capability to share music or the audio from streaming content. Google’s Audio Share functionality first launched on Pixel phones running Android 16, specifically the Pixel 8 and newer models.
Its operation depends on specific hardware and software standards. For an audio device to be compatible, it must support Auracast broadcasting, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and Bluetooth version 5.3 or higher. The Fast Pair protocol simplifies the user experience by automatically detecting compatible audio devices in proximity and displaying a prompt to connect, which bypasses the need for manual Bluetooth pairing procedures.
While Google’s implementation of Audio Share is currently exclusive to its Pixel lineup, other smartphone manufacturers are developing comparable solutions. Xiaomi, for instance, has incorporated Auracast support into its flagship phones. Samsung offers a feature called Dual Audio, which allows two pairs of earphones to connect to a single device, though this method does not require Auracast or BLE technology.
Beyond audio sharing, the software update for the Sony headphones and earbuds also adds support for Gemini Live. This feature allows users to engage in more natural, back-and-forth conversational interactions with the Gemini AI assistant directly through their audio device.
