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.

[miglto]

Quite possibly they have not updated the firmware in the review unit to 4.1.1!!!

There are already 864 customers who have signed the petition for a fix!

https://www.change.org/p/sony-fix-firmware-on-sony-wh-1000xm3-about-anc-issues-after-4-1-1-update

[designalchemy]

I think same thing has happened to mine 😞 i came looking to see why they had got worse i didnt realise the firmware had done it  

[JDreadz]

I spoke to Sony customer services this morning. Rep tried to tell me the clicking/blowing noise I've been experiencing when I move my head (only with NC active) was "within specification and was due to changes in atmospheric pressure" !!!!!!!!
Initially tried to completely brush over the drop in NC effectiveness i complained about but has "escalated the complaint" for me and will respond in 48hrs with news on whether there is a fix available (presumably only if Sony actually acknowledge that there is a genuine issue in the first place) and I'll decide then whether to exchange for another pair in the hope they dont have FW 4.1.1 installed straight out of the box or just get a refund!!!
To everyone (UK) who is out of their retailers automatic refund window, you still have consumer rights for up to 6 years in uk law (5 in scotland) under the consumer rights act 2015 and given the volume of complaints now arising all with broadly the same issues it wont take much to convince a court (should it actually come to that) that the issue was caused by the manufacturer and not you as the consumer.
Will post back if and when Sony respond!!!!!

[SombreCornet]

Apologies this is not solved but it says that the issue is solved! I have an issue with my headphones too and it began after I upgraded to 4.1.1 The performance has gotten so bad that I can hear everything. When I got the headphones I couldn't hear the 3.0 liter diesel engine on my van (its very loud). Now I can hear assortment of sounds, noises & conversation through my headphones.

Not happy and my headphones are only 3 months old! 

[Wildenberg1234]

Exactly, this isn't solved at all. i am still stuck with worthless headphones. ill be returning mine and getting a Bose. 

Worst thing: this firmware error has been going on sinds Januari. 7 months down the road, still no fix??

[designalchemy]

Can someone unmark this as solved as its not solved

[GapsOfTheGod]

Except this is my thread, and downgrading the firmware to v2.00 sorted it perfectly for me. So this, my issue, is solved.

[rakkuj]

Can anyone post here clear instructions how do I do this downgrade. 

Unfortunately, this product cannot be returned here in Finland with this defect

[Martsky]

Yes i agree

[MRW_87]

There is a fix:

https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wh-1000xm3/article...

For some reason when updating the firmware, one of the default settings change.