When Sony launched its WH-1000X headphones in 2016, it was seen as the Japanese brand’s opening shot in the premium wireless headphones market – blending strong noise cancellation with sound quality that was rich, punchy and dynamic.
Nearly a decade and six versions later, the new WH-1000XM6 lands in a much more crowded field – including market leader Bose’s Quiet Comfort brand, Apple’s gradual evolution of its two solid AirPods Max generations and Dyson’s well-received course correction with the OnTrac.
With all that going on, can Sony’s update – out this week – rise above the noise? Let’s answer all the questions you may have about the XM6.
Does it fold?
Why change something that was clearly working? That was the common gripe with the XM5, whose newly introduced fixed frame made it inconvenient to pack. Thankfully, the XM6 returns to the foldable format of earlier models (such as the XM3 and XM4), making it much easier to slip into a bag. Other subtle refinements to my jet-black pair’s sleek, signature design include a slimmer, more flexible headband and slightly curved earcups for a more natural fit. The XM6 is also available in what Sony calls “platinum silver” and “midnight blue”.
How comfortable is it to wear?
If weight is becoming the new battleground in the premium headphone wars, then Sony’s latest effort marks a relative step forward. While four grams heavier than its predecessor, the XM6 remains significantly lighter at 254g than the Apple AirPods Max (384.8g) and the Dyson OnTrac (595g), making it ideal for those on the move.
The earcups, lined with soft vegan leather, strike a balance between comfort and durability, helping reduce heat build-up during extended wear.
While the diameter of the earcups isn't as generous as those on category like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, the XM6 still offers a well-balanced design – and balance really is the key word across the product.
What does it sound like?
A personal pet peeve with many premium headphones is the industry’s shift towards cleaner, more textured sound profiles – with terms such as spatial audio and vocal clarity becoming marketing buzzwords. While these are notable achievements, they often come at the expense of the raw, visceral power that great headphones should also deliver.
With a few choice tracks from rock heavyweights Monster Magnet and Shihad, the XM6 proves it can still channel muscular riffs and pounding drums that get the blood racing – all without losing its sonic balance. Bass-heavy hip-hop from Travis Scott’s thumping catalogue and the evocative synth surges of Hans Zimmer’s Interstellar film score are also rendered with impressive clarity.
This isn't a dramatic leap forward but another thoughtful step towards the XM6’s goal of a truly well-rounded pair of headphones suitable for everyone.
Has noise cancellation improved?
Talking about which premium headphones deliver the best active noise cancellation (ANC) is a bit like debating which restaurant serves the best version of a classic dish — it really depends on what you are looking for. Is it pure, unapologetic sound reduction, or a more intelligent use of the technology?
Staying true to its ethos and aesthetic, the XM6 doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel – it aims to strike a balance, offering the best of both worlds. This is where Sony introduces its most significant upgrade: the new QN3 HD processor, reportedly seven times faster than its predecessor. The result is noticeably stronger noise cancellation, with outside sound reduced to a faint murmur. Sony has yet to released official decibel reduction figures but the improvement is evident.
The irony, however, is that the technology can sometimes be too smart for its own good. The Speak-to-Chat feature, which pauses playback and lets in ambient noise the moment you speak, is well-intentioned. It's designed to let you hold a quick conversation without removing your headphones, but in practice, it can feel unpredictable and overly sensitive. Humming along to the bassline of Peg by Steely Dan, for instance, was enough to trigger ambient mode, making for a disorienting experience.
Thankfully, the feature can be fine-tuned or disabled entirely via the Headphones Connect app, allowing me to sing along – for better or worse – uninterrupted.
How good is battery life?
A drawback of the XM6’s carefully calibrated approach lies in its battery performance. With 30 hours of playback with ANC on – and up to 40 hours with it off – it matches the last two generations but falls behind rivals now offering up to 60 hours. That said, charging is faster than the XM5, with a three-minute top-up delivering three hours of playback. It means a quick charge over your morning coffee is enough to last the working day.
Frequent travellers will also appreciate that the XM6 retains its headphone jack, bundled with a 1.2-metre cable, a simple and much-loved, old-school inclusion that many competitors have omitted in their rush for style, often to their own detriment.
Is it worth the upgrade?
At Dh1,699 ($462), it depends on how far down the model’s lineage you’re coming from. If you’re stepping up from the XM4 or an earlier version, the new model will feel like a noticeable leap forward. If you already own the XM5 and the headphones are still in good nick, the changes are more incremental. That said, the return to a foldable design might be the upgrade or course correction you’ve been waiting for. Improved clarity and a welcome punch in sound quality also make a strong case for the new version.
For first-time buyers looking for something reliable and practical without too much flash or fuss, the XM6 is the quiet hero in a crowded field.
The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en
The%20specs
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The specs
Engine: 3.8-litre V6
Power: 295hp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 355Nm at 5,200rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.7L/100km
Price: Dh179,999-plus
On sale: now
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Tips for taking the metro
- set out well ahead of time
- make sure you have at least Dh15 on you Nol card, as there could be big queues for top-up machines
- enter the right cabin. The train may be too busy to move between carriages once you're on
- don't carry too much luggage and tuck it under a seat to make room for fellow passengers
MATCH INFO
Cricket World Cup League Two
Oman, UAE, Namibia
Al Amerat, Muscat
Results
Oman beat UAE by five wickets
UAE beat Namibia by eight runs
Namibia beat Oman by 52 runs
UAE beat Namibia by eight wickets
UAE v Oman - abandoned
Oman v Namibia - abandoned
One in nine do not have enough to eat
Created in 1961, the World Food Programme is pledged to fight hunger worldwide as well as providing emergency food assistance in a crisis.
One of the organisation’s goals is the Zero Hunger Pledge, adopted by the international community in 2015 as one of the 17 Sustainable Goals for Sustainable Development, to end world hunger by 2030.
The WFP, a branch of the United Nations, is funded by voluntary donations from governments, businesses and private donations.
Almost two thirds of its operations currently take place in conflict zones, where it is calculated that people are more than three times likely to suffer from malnutrition than in peaceful countries.
It is currently estimated that one in nine people globally do not have enough to eat.
On any one day, the WFP estimates that it has 5,000 lorries, 20 ships and 70 aircraft on the move.
Outside emergencies, the WFP provides school meals to up to 25 million children in 63 countries, while working with communities to improve nutrition. Where possible, it buys supplies from developing countries to cut down transport cost and boost local economies.
Tax authority targets shisha levy evasion
The Federal Tax Authority will track shisha imports with electronic markers to protect customers and ensure levies have been paid.
Khalid Ali Al Bustani, director of the tax authority, on Sunday said the move is to "prevent tax evasion and support the authority’s tax collection efforts".
The scheme’s first phase, which came into effect on 1st January, 2019, covers all types of imported and domestically produced and distributed cigarettes. As of May 1, importing any type of cigarettes without the digital marks will be prohibited.
He said the latest phase will see imported and locally produced shisha tobacco tracked by the final quarter of this year.
"The FTA also maintains ongoing communication with concerned companies, to help them adapt their systems to meet our requirements and coordinate between all parties involved," he said.
As with cigarettes, shisha was hit with a 100 per cent tax in October 2017, though manufacturers and cafes absorbed some of the costs to prevent prices doubling.
No more lice
Defining head lice
Pediculus humanus capitis are tiny wingless insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. The adult head louse is up to 3mm long, has six legs, and is tan to greyish-white in colour. The female lives up to four weeks and, once mature, can lay up to 10 eggs per day. These tiny nits firmly attach to the base of the hair shaft, get incubated by body heat and hatch in eight days or so.
Identifying lice
Lice can be identified by itching or a tickling sensation of something moving within the hair. One can confirm that a person has lice by looking closely through the hair and scalp for nits, nymphs or lice. Head lice are most frequently located behind the ears and near the neckline.
Treating lice at home
Head lice must be treated as soon as they are spotted. Start by checking everyone in the family for them, then follow these steps. Remove and wash all clothing and bedding with hot water. Apply medicine according to the label instructions. If some live lice are still found eight to 12 hours after treatment, but are moving more slowly than before, do not re-treat. Comb dead and remaining live lice out of the hair using a fine-toothed comb.
After the initial treatment, check for, comb and remove nits and lice from hair every two to three days. Soak combs and brushes in hot water for 10 minutes.Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or lay.
Courtesy Dr Vishal Rajmal Mehta, specialist paediatrics, RAK Hospital
The team
Videographer: Jear Velasquez
Photography: Romeo Perez
Fashion director: Sarah Maisey
Make-up: Gulum Erzincan at Art Factory
Models: Meti and Clinton at MMG
Video assistant: Zanong Maget
Social media: Fatima Al Mahmoud
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
PROFILE OF HALAN
Started: November 2017
Founders: Mounir Nakhla, Ahmed Mohsen and Mohamed Aboulnaga
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: transport and logistics
Size: 150 employees
Investment: approximately $8 million
Investors include: Singapore’s Battery Road Digital Holdings, Egypt’s Algebra Ventures, Uber co-founder and former CTO Oscar Salazar
Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
The essentials
What: Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
When: Friday until March 9
Where: All main sessions are held in the InterContinental Dubai Festival City
Price: Sessions range from free entry to Dh125 tickets, with the exception of special events.
Hot Tip: If waiting for your book to be signed looks like it will be timeconsuming, ask the festival’s bookstore if they have pre-signed copies of the book you’re looking for. They should have a bunch from some of the festival’s biggest guest authors.
Information: www.emirateslitfest.com
Army of the Dead
Director: Zack Snyder
Stars: Dave Bautista, Ella Purnell, Omari Hardwick, Ana de la Reguera
Three stars
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Recent winners
2002 Giselle Khoury (Colombia)
2004 Nathalie Nasralla (France)
2005 Catherine Abboud (Oceania)
2007 Grace Bijjani (Mexico)
2008 Carina El-Keddissi (Brazil)
2009 Sara Mansour (Brazil)
2010 Daniella Rahme (Australia)
2011 Maria Farah (Canada)
2012 Cynthia Moukarzel (Kuwait)
2013 Layla Yarak (Australia)
2014 Lia Saad (UAE)
2015 Cynthia Farah (Australia)
2016 Yosmely Massaad (Venezuela)
2017 Dima Safi (Ivory Coast)
2018 Rachel Younan (Australia)
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 48V hybrid
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 325bhp
Torque: 450Nm
Price: Dh289,000
