Sony WH-1000XM3 - v4.1.1 firmware failure?

[GapsOfTheGod]

Having updated my 1000xm3's over the wekeend, there seems to be an introduction of hiss and a background noise of what sounds like distant traffic (even though I can hear nothing at all without the headphones on) when using Active Noise Cancellation, which was previously stellar. The potency of the noise cancelling is noticeably weaker since updating (I'd estimate around 40% less). Familiar auditory environments which were previously rendered almost entirely silent are now notedly audible. I've checked that the noise cancelling slider is left-most, and indeed it is.

I'm also disappointed to find I can't ask Alexa to play music from Spotify, and I press the button and just say "Play Metallica", it responds with "Shuffling music by Metallica on Amazon Music", yet nothing plays at all.

This update is very much a downgrade as it stands.

[Ninyu4]

How many of you did the firmware update on Android? 

Perhaps the issue is on Android exclusively. For all iOS users I know do not have said NC reduction problem. 

[GapsOfTheGod]

---

@Ninyu4 wrote:

How many of you did the firmware update on Android? 

Perhaps the issue is on Android exclusively. For all iOS users I know do not have said NC redictire problem. 

---

It's nothing to do with OS. I received a factory fresh pair today, loaded with firmware v4.1.1 and they exhibit the same issues.

[ricklen]

Are you sure there is difference between 4.1.1 and 2.0.0? Why did you upgrade if you received a new one?

I also got a new one today and it has version 2.0.0. The one I sent back had version 4.1.1 and a cracking noise on the left side. 

It has been two weeks since I used my last one and I was also convinced that the noise cancelling performance reduced but now that I'm back at 2.0.0 I'm not so sure anymore. I still have to test it on other situations but during office usage I can still hear people talking when they're nearby. The noise cancelling performance seems the same as with my previous set.

EDIT: Don't think it's an OS issue, I got IOS running latest app version

[FrancisRoss]

Well, I was astonished over the difference between 4.1.1 and 2.0.0 when I
got my replacement set with the old firmware. The difference was obvious
and in fact bigger than what I could recall.

(And to previous poster: the OS is not relevant - just listen to voices and
surroundings without any device connected)

[GapsOfTheGod]

---

@ricklen wrote:

Are you sure there is difference between 4.1.1 and 2.0.0? Why did you upgrade if you received a new one?

I also got a new one today and it has version 2.0.0. The one I sent back had version 4.1.1 and a cracking noise on the left side. 

It has been two weeks since I used my last one and I was also convinced that the noise cancelling performance reduced but now that I'm back at 2.0.0 I'm not so sure anymore. I still have to test it on other situations but during office usage I can still hear people talking when they're nearby. The noise cancelling performance seems the same as with my previous set.

EDIT: Don't think it's an OS issue, I got IOS running latest app version

---

Without a doubt, a difference.

The set I received today was pre-loaded with v4.1.1. 

[Ninyu4]

I think the OS might be the issue here. Depending on what OS was used to perform the firmware update. 

See, ricklen, you cannot perceive a difference in NC. Moreover, hearing voices that are nearby is totally normal. Can confirm. Have still firmware 2.0.0 but consider to update for I seek to disable the annoying loud voice guidance + beeps. 

---

@ricklen wrote:

 but now that I'm back at 2.0.0 I'm not so sure anymore. I still have to test it on other situations but during office usage I can still hear people talking when they're nearby. The noise cancelling performance seems the same as with my previous set.

---

[ricklen]

Well, as I said, I still have to test it in other situations. I was at work today and I could only test it during my office job and back when I upgraded from 2.0.0 to 4.1.1 one of the things I noticed was louder voices with NC turned ON. I know voices are harder to filter and that it is very normal that you can hear them but I was sure I could hear them more clearly on 4.1.1 but back on 2.0.0 I'm not sure about that factor anymore. Only tested for a couple of hours in one specific situation so again, I have to test it it other situations.

[Ninyu4]

---

@GapsOfTheGod wrote:

---

Without a doubt, a difference.

The set I received today was pre-loaded with v4.1.1. 

---

Pre-loaded? Was the package sealed?

[alissamln]

If you see "Alexa built-in" it means that this unit pre-loaded with 4.1.1. 

So, we have to look older design of the box to have 2.0.0.

No way to have good firmware version now 😞

I was talking to support few days ago, they told that new firmware is coming by the end of march, but as I see it's not true.

[Lasse_K]

I have the exact same problem. Tried everything. Factory reset, pairing with different devices, 30 times optimizing. 

I'm probably going to return the headphones to the shop and buy BOSE instead.

A real shame. I really loved these untill then sudden collapse of the noice cancelling.

I even called Sony Support but all they could tell me to do was returning the headphones for service.

Too bad they aren't pushing out a new firmware soon. Could have been a straw of luck to hold on to.

Kind regards,

Lasse