Technologies

New Sony Noise-Canceling Headphones Specs and Pricing Apparently Leak

The next pair of Sony WH-1000XM noise-canceling headphones will see a series of improvements and AI mics, if leaked specs are to be believed.

It appears that Sony is gearing up to release its high-end consumer successor to the WH-1000XM5 noise canceling headphones, and potentially very soon, according to a new leak from Dealabs via Android Authority.

Sony launched the WH-1000XM5 three years ago, in May 2022, marking the longest gap in time from one generation to another since the line was introduced in 2016. The series has always balanced a mix of function, comfort and sound that has kept it on many top noise-canceling headphone lists, including CNET’s.

The new headphones were first spotted by a Reddit user that found a since-removed Amazon Spain listing, detailing the specs and pricing of the latest over-ear headphones from Sony. In the three years that it’s taken to get a new pair of headphones from this lineup, it’s fairly easy to assume that there are improvements across the board.

What’s new in the WH-1000XM6?

Here’s the supposed official description and feature list taken from the original page, after being translated:

The flagship model, with Sony’s best noise cancellation and best ambient sound mode ever on over-ear headphones.
With the new QN3 HD Noise Cancelling processor and 12 microphones, our Multi Noise Sensor technology with Auto NC Optimizer delivers optimal performance anywhere.
Developed with Grammy-winning mastering engineers, 30mm drivers, Hi-Res Audio, DSEE Extreme to enhance every track, and a customizable 10-band EQ.
The Sony WH-1000XM6 folds flat for easy storage and transport. The new case provides protection, with a magnetic closure for quick access.
Lightweight for all-day wear, the new headband is even more comfortable and secure than the previous model, with soft, padded ear cushions for a premium feel.
A quick 3-minute charge provides 3 hours of entertainment, and you can even use the WH-1000XM6 while charging.
360 Upmix for Cinema transforms stereo content into immersive sound, coming from the sides, behind, and above. Game EQ improves clarity and detail during gameplay.
With six AI-powered microphones, calls are crystal-clear, even in the busiest environments. AI noise reduction filters out unwanted sounds
Multipoint connection lets you seamlessly switch between your Bluetooth devices, including iPhone, Android, PC, and Mac
Adaptive Sound Control, Quick Attention, Background Music, Personalized Spatial Audio, Wind Noise Reduction, 360 Reality Audio with head tracking, and Speak to Chat.

Let’s break it down.

According to the leaked specs, the Sony 1000XM6 headphones look to improve upon their predecessors with a new QN3 HD Noise Cancelling processor, up from the QN1 processor in the XM5s — the fact that Sony is skipping the existence of the QN2 and going straight to the QN3 could just be marketing, but Dealab’s report says the processor is up to 7x faster than its predecessor.

The headphones will apparently ship with 12 microphones — six of which are powered by AI to improve call quality and reduce unwanted noise. Like its predecessor, the latest headphones will also ship with an auto noise-canceling optimizer. CNET had already crowned the XM5s as the go-to noise-canceling headphones to grab for great calls, and the latest version looks to bolster what was already great.

Fast charging is still intact, the leak shows, and a 3-minute charge will be able to provide 3 hours of «entertainment,» as the description says, but those specifics, if true, will likely be ironed out during the official announcement. In contrast, Dealabs’ report claims a 3-minute charge will provide 1 hour battery life.

Most older features are still apparently present in the latest version of the headphones. The signature touch controls on the earcup, and the semi-infuriating Speak to Chat function that always re-enables itself on my 1000XM4s will stay put, along with the 3.5mm headphone jack and support for Hi-Res audio.

The 1000XM6s will get the bump to Bluetooth version 5.3 vs 5.2 found in the 1000XM5 headphones, and will be a negligible 4 grams heavier than the older version as well, coming in at 254 grams.

Pricing and availability

The new headphones will apparently be available in three colors, including black, platinum silver and midnight blue, with pricing pegged at $450 in the US.

The official announcement isn’t far off, either, it seems. Based of off Dealab’s own information, the Sony 1000XM6 will be unveiled sometime between May 14 and May 16, 2025, which falls in line with the May 15 timing found on the screengrab of the Amazon leak.

Technologies

How to Use AirPlay to Mirror Your iPhone on a TV

Display photos and videos from your iPhone or Mac to a bigger screen in a few taps.

Sometimes, browsing through photos or watching a video on your phone or laptop just doesn’t cut it. Beaming to a TV can be a great way to enjoy content on a bigger display and share it with everyone in the room. With the help of AirPlay, doing so with an iPhone, iPad or Mac is super easy.

AirPlay is Apple’s system for screen mirroring, and it’s supported by a growing number of smart TVs, as well as Roku and Apple TV streaming devices.

Here’s how to use the handy feature and which devices are compatible.

Which devices support AirPlay?

To use AirPlay, you’ll need a compatible Roku TV or streamer (the list includes Roku TV, Roku Streambar and Roku Streaming Stick 4K), an Apple TV streamer or a 2019 or newer smart TV from LG, Samsung, Sony or Vizio. Amazon’s more recent Fire TV models also support AirPlay, but Fire TV sticks don’t.

Any iPhone or iPad running iOS 4.2 or newer has AirPlay built in. Note that Roku and smart TVs require AirPlay 2 on your Apple devices, which is available with iOS 12.3 or later and MacOS Mojave 10.14.5 or later.

Before getting started, make sure your Apple device and Apple TV are on the same Wi-Fi network.

Mirror your iPhone or iPad

Swipe down from the top-right corner on newer iPhone models, or up from the bottom of the display, to access Control Center.
Tap the Screen Mirroring button. (It shows two overlapping rectangles)
Select your TV.
If prompted, enter the passcode shown on your TV.
A checkmark will show up next to your TV’s name when a connection is made.

Now, use your phone or tablet like normal, and everything you do will be displayed on your TV. To stop mirroring, go back to Control Center and open the Screen Mirroring section, then select Stop Mirroring.

Mirror your Mac’s screen

Click on the Control Center icon in the menu bar. It should be next to the time in the top-right corner.
Click Screen Mirroring.
You’ll see a list of devices that are available on your network to mirror your screen. Click the device you want to use. Your screen will flash and a few seconds later it will show up on the TV.

Now, whatever you do on your Mac will show up on your TV. When you’re done, click the Screen Mirroring button in Control Center again, then click the name of the device you’re connected to to stop mirroring.

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Technologies

Dangerous TikTok Chromebook Challenge: Avoid Sparking a Fire in Your Laptop

Well, this is a bad idea: Kids are jamming metal into their school computer USB ports.

TikTok is full of entertaining cat videos, humorous dances, and yes, even challenges — the famed ice-bucket challenge has returned and is promoting mental-health support. But now a dangerous TikTok challenge is spreading through the short-form video app and through schools across the US.

The Chromebook Challenge, named for Google’s line of laptops, encourages students to insert metal items into the USB port on their school-issued computers, intending to create sparks, smoke and possibly a fire.

A representative for TikTok told NBC News that the challenge videos were not exclusive to their platform, and that search terms like «Chromebook Challenge» have been blocked.

A representative for Google didn’t immediately respond to CNET’s request for comment

Read more: Best laptops of 2025

Searching TikTok will bring up videos showing kids attempting the dangerous and damaging challenge. Schools, as you might expect, are not happy.

David Winston, principal of Lincoln Park Middle School in Morris County, New Jersey, sent a letter home to parents about the dangers of the act, as reported by NorthJersey.com.

Read more: The 75 Hard and 75 Soft TikTok Fitness Challenges Explained

«We expect our students to make responsible choices and refrain from any behavior that could result in injury, property damage, disciplinary action, or the loss of privileges,» Winston said in his letter. «This type of act is considered a form of vandalism and, if a fire results, could be treated as arson.»

And kids might not be laughing when their parents get the bill for a damaged or ruined laptop.

«We’re asking for your help in talking to your child about the importance of taking care of their school devices and thinking twice before participating in online challenges like this,» reads a letter sent to parents of kids in Virginia’s Prince George’s County Public Schools, as reported by FOX5. «As a reminder, families are responsible for the cost of any deliberate damage done to school-issued Chromebooks.»

Technologies

Hey Wordle Players, the New Pope Is One of Us

He also saw the movie Conclave, plays Words with Friends and is a Chicago White Sox fan.

Maybe an upcoming Wordle puzzle will include the word PAPAL. On Thursday, Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Prevost was chosen the first American pope ever, taking the papal name Pope Leo XIV. Although he spent years of his ministry in Peru, he might just have some things in common with his fellow Americans. According to an interview with his brother John, who lives in Illinois, the new pope enjoys the New York Times game Wordle, plays the Scrabble-like game Words With Friends, and yes, he has seen the 2024 movie Conclave, which focuses on a fictional papal election.

Read more: Click for answers to today’s Wordle, Connections, Strands, Connections: Sports Edition and Mini Crossword

NBC Chicago spoke to the new pope’s brother, who’s understandably overwhelmed. John Prevost said he talked to his brother on Tuesday before the conclave started, and asked Robert Prevost, who was then still a cardinal, if he’d seen the Conclave film. And indeed he had.

«He had just finished watching the movie Conclave,» John Prevost told NBC Chicago. «I wanted to take his mind off of it and laugh about something. Because this is now an awesome responsibility.»

Read more: How to Stream Conclave

According to NBC News, John Prevost also said his chat with his brother included «discussing Wordle and playing Words with Friends.» Wordle is the New York Times’ online game where players are given six chances to guess a five-letter word. (CNET posts the answers to Wordle and other NYT puzzles daily.) Words with Friends is another word game, but more like Scrabble, and allows for back-and-forth play between two friends. Or brothers. Or a soon-to-be pope and his brother.

Read more: Wordle Players, Use Our Tip Sheet to Find Your Next Favorite Starter Word

A representative for the New York Times didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

The pope’s brother also set the Holy Father’s Chicago baseball allegiance straight. Although the Chicago Cubs tried to claim him on social media, his brother confirmed that the pope is from the South Side of Chicago and is a White Sox fan.

Well, would you look at that… Congratulations to Chicago’s own Pope Leo XIV pic.twitter.com/U5DJ7TOyDr

— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) May 8, 2025

While quotes from NBC didn’t flat-out say the new pope plays Wordle (they said he «discussed it»), who discusses a puzzle they don’t play? So when you fire up your next round of Wordle, and puzzle over those double letters, or rack your brain for a way to use the yellow letters you just can’t place, think to yourself that maybe the new pope is doing the exact same thing.