Sony Automates 4 Audio Settings With Adaptive Sound Control as Headphones React to Movement, Location
Updated
Updated · ZDNet · May 13
Sony Automates 4 Audio Settings With Adaptive Sound Control as Headphones React to Movement, Location
2 articles · Updated · ZDNet · May 13
Sony’s Adaptive Sound Control automatically switches headphone modes based on whether a user is sitting, walking or running, and can also trigger profiles tied to places like an office or gym.
The feature cuts the need to press buttons or open a phone to change settings, a friction point the report says is more noticeable with Apple’s AirPods and Bose headphones in changing environments.
Beyond noise cancellation and transparency, Sony lets users assign ambient sound levels, EQ and Speak-to-Chat to each listening zone, creating customized profiles for different routines.
Sony stores those location- and activity-based settings in the Sound Connect app, so they carry across compatible registered headphones and earbuds linked to the same account.
Though Adaptive Sound Control has existed for years and takes setup time, the report argues Sony’s behavior-based approach still stands out as a more seamless model for personal audio.
Sony's adaptive audio is hailed as unique, but is Apple's new 'Adaptive Audio' secretly better?
As headphones grow smarter, will they soon predict our audio needs before we even realize them ourselves?
With giants like Sony and Apple dominating with AI, is there any room left for smaller audio brands?