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]

> I can confirm that there are two versions of the script. I used the second
> one and it worked as expected. 

Two? Where? Link?

[bmgoau]

@Ninyu4look at FormalDetail5 's post history on reddit.

[schristall]

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@uninterred wrote:

I cant run the script either on mac. Keeps coming up with an error, tried changing forking to threading but it made no difference.

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Python3?

[FrancoLoco]

I confirm that I was able to downgrade my XM3s to 2.0.0 via iOS with the script, amazing!  Will listen tomorrow in the real world to see if the ANC is better now.

[bmgoau]

Downgraded from 4.1.1 to 2.0.0 at work while wearing the headphones the entire time. Keyboards and voices much more cancelled out now. Other frequencies are the same. Looks like we have it!

I just wish Sony helped us.

[Ninyu4]

Question: anyway to disable voice guidance + beeps on firmware 2.0.0 ?

[GapsOfTheGod]

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@mrlemur wrote:

This has already been done, someone posted the script on reddit to downgrade to 2.0.0.

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Hi all, I'm the OP.

Although @mrlemur's post isn't the actual solution, it certainly points to the solution. This post will likely be moderated (deleted) as it exposes Sony's incompetency to swiftly enact a solution and demonstrates their contempt for their customers.

Sony said a downgrade wasn't possible, and yet I've just done it using Reddit user FormalDetail5's Python Script, and have immediately observed the restoration of the stellar Noise Cancelling efficacy.

It's certainly not a solution for everyone, as it's relatively involved and potentially risky (you could brick your XM3's), but is clearly something that Sony themselves weren't willing/able to do.

I'm done with this thread now, and I'm happy with my second pair of XM3's (which came preloaded with firmware v4.1.1, but are now sporting v2.0.0 in all its glory).

I wish everyone the best, but I fear an alternative solution won't be found through the official Sony channels.

[FrancoLoco]

So far riding the bus and subway this morning, I do feel ANC is better now that I am back to 2.0.0

[JayMan]

Somethings going on with both Sony and Bose. Both are guilty of deliberately reducing the efficiency of NC, incrementally via over the air updates. But why? Are new products set to be released and they are perhaps reducing quality of previous models to make new releases appear superior in side by side comparisons?

I’ve never trusted these OTA updates I hate the level of control these shady manufacturers have over our expensive purchases. They’r all at it..Sony, Bose, Apple , Samsung etc. They can literally shaft the consumer any way they like quietly & sneakily via these apps and updates and we all know by now the updates break more than they fix. It’s almost like the headphone isn’t ours, like we’re renting them, until they eventually get obsoleted by the manufacturer from their end. We don’t get to ruin them naturally through wear & tear because they ruin them for us, prematurely & tactically.

Something really underhand is going on with these manufacturers and they seem to be within rights to do it, otherwise why are they not being investigated? Capitalism sucks.

[JayMan]

I tried to post here but instantly was removed due to “post flooding detected” whatever that means? Any way I have posted on the other forum (and Reddit) including links, which highlights the skullduggery and underhand tactical manipulations manufacturers use via Over The Air Updates to incrementally diminish performance of previous gen products when readying a new product for market. It’s a tried and tested tactic which allows the upcoming ‘New’ product to “appear” to outperform the previous generation model. It is NOT improved per say, although will appear improved In side by side comparison to the product that has been “deliberately” handicapped. Seriously, this is not conspiracy. It really does occur. Over The Air updates are the curse of modern technology and consumers are unknowingly allowing their expensive purchases to be incrementally obsoleted by shady, manipulative big corporation. Say NO to the updates..no matter what they entice.