Sony firmware adds Gemini Live and Fast Pair audio sharing to XM6 XM5

Sony has begun rolling out a firmware update for its flagship WH1000XM6 headphones and WF1000XM5 earbuds that adds support for Google’s Gemini Live conversational assistant and new audio sharing capabilities via Fast Pair, official device changelogs show. The update is being delivered over the air and is available now, though it may take time to reach all devices worldwide.

The Gemini Live integration is designed to enable more natural, back-and-forth spoken interactions with Google’s generative AI directly through the headphones and earbuds, moving beyond single command responses. The Fast Pair audio sharing feature uses Bluetooth Low Energy Audio technologies to let a single audio source broadcast to multiple compatible receivers or to pair and switch seamlessly among devices linked to the same Google account. According to the changelogs, the update also includes security fixes and additional Bluetooth LE Audio enhancements such as headtracking when connected over LE Audio and the ability to locate each earbud individually via Google’s Find Hub.

Fast Pair’s audio sharing is an extension of Google’s Audio Share capability introduced with Android 16 on Pixel phones. The...