The Sonos Ace headphones, the company’s first-ever Bluetooth headphones that launched a year ago and that we reviewed at launch, are getting their first major software update. The updates relate to improved audio quality, updated to the popular Audio Swap feature, better noise cancellation, and enhanced call clarity.
The Sonos Ace headphones now support TrueCinema technology that can understand the dynamics of your space and adjust the sound to provide a tuned 3D audio experience from the headphones.
Audio Swap was one of the fan favourite features of the headphones, and the stand-out feature for me during my review. The feature allows you to switch audio from the headphones to a compatible Sonos soundbar (initially the Arc but since expanded to include the Beam and Ray as well) with the simple push of a button on the earcup. Now, the feature allows for two listeners to enjoy the same TV audio in sync with their own headphones when both are connected to a Sonos soundbar. This is ideal if you want to watch a loud movie together while the kids are sleeping, for example, or play video games while a roommate is studying.
The ‘phones now also boast enhanced noise cancellation through the update. The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) can adapt to your hair, glasses, and hats in real time using advanced sensors that compensate for sound leaks.
When wearing the headphones during phone calls, you’ll now also get smoother, more natural audio. This is thanks to the addition of high resolution calls and a feature called SideTone that allows you to hear more of your own voice during calls when ANC is on.
“We’re pleased to deliver experiences we’ve heard our customers ask for, like the ability for two people to watch TV with their Sonos Ace headphones at the same time,” says Chris Kallai, Vice President, Product at Sonos. “We’ve also worked hard on our TrueCinema technology to create an incredible open-air listening effect so it feels like you aren’t wearing headphones.”
These new features will begin to roll out on Sonos Ace via a free software update starting today.