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The best noise-cancelling wireless headphones for 2024, tested and reviewed

Does the hot new Sonos Ace take the crown from longtime favorites Bose and Sony?

Rick Broida/Yahoo Tech
I tried some of the best noise-cancelling headphones on the market, and I have a new favorite.
Headphones or earbuds? If you can’t decide how best to pipe audio into your ear holes, allow me to make the case for cans: The best wireless headphones from Bose, Sony, Sonos and more crush earbuds when it comes to battery life, and for many users there’s a comfort advantage as well with cushy cups (aka “cans”) that cover your ears rather than silicone ‘buds that sort of screw into them. And let’s not overlook sound quality: Headphones have much larger drivers (the actual speakers inside) than earbuds, meaning they produce a larger soundstage with greater range. If you like your music more concert-hall than club, jam with cans.

There’s a downside, though, and that’s physical size: Headphones don’t exactly fit in your pocket. I’d also argue that modern wireless earbuds are a bit better when it comes to ANC (active noise cancelling). Even so, headphones make a great choice for listening to music, podcasts and audiobooks and watching movies, TV shows and YouTube videos.

The best noise-cancelling wireless headphones of 2024

Best wireless headphones overall

Sonos Ace Wireless Headphones

I tend to get a little jaded when it comes to audio gear, because it’s rare that I have a “wow” moment. It all sounds pretty good to me, or at least good enough. But,wow, the Sonos Ace: The company’s debut headphones bring a richness and fullness to music that my ears haven’t experienced elsewhere. Yes, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Sony WH-1000XM5 come very close, but if you want to hear every detail, every nuance, of your favorite playlists, these are the ones to get.

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It probably means breaking open the piggy bank, though. They’re among the pricier headphones we tested. That’s not surprising — Sonos is a premium audio brand — but if you’re not in a rush, consider waiting for a sale.

Sonos supplies a nicely illustrated quick-start guide, though curiously there’s no mention of charging the headphones. Although you don’t strictly need the Sonos app to use the Aces, you’ll definitely want it for things like equalizer settings and firmware updates. The app is fairly easy to use overall, with nearly all headphone status info and settings listed on a single page.

It’s hard to make headphones stand out, but I like the matte finish and overall look of the Ace. The earcups hinges are hidden inside the earcups themselves, meaning those with long hair are less likely to get tangled in them. Although there’s very little “play” in those hinges, I found that the Aces fit snugly and comfortably. Maybe a little too snugly, though? After about 30 minutes, my ears wanted some air. (For the record, this is true with nearly all over-the-ear headphones — for me, at least.)

Instead of touch controls, Sonos opted for physical ones: The right earcup is home to a noise-control toggle button (press to switch between ANC and transparency modes) and the “Content Key.” The latter is small slide-switch used to raise and lower volume, but it’s also a button: press once to play/pause, twice to skip to the next track and three times for the previous track. I like the Content Key overall; it’s a little more intuitive than Apple’s digital crown.

I do wish Sonos gave the option of a voice prompt to indicate which noise mode is selected, instead of the largely indistinguishable tones that play when you toggle them.

As noted above, I’ve rarely been so enamored with the warmth and fullness of headphone audio. I found myself noticing vocal and instrumental details I’d never heard before, or at least never heard so clearly. The Ace also crushes spatial audio, with flawless head-tracking that creates an amazing sense of “there-ness.”

Meanwhile, if you’re already part of the Sonos ecosystem (meaning you have one of the company’s soundbars), you may appreciate the TV Audio Swap option: With the press of a button, you can switch from soundbar to headphones, the better to listen in private (while also enjoying a much more pronounced spatial audio than you get from the soundbar alone). At this writing, the feature works only with the Sonos Arc; support for the Beam and Ray models is coming. Because the Aces don’t use Wi-Fi, however, you can’t “hand off” audio from Sonos speakers like the Era, Roam and Move.

If your budget won’t accommodate the Sonos Aces, I suspect you’d be just as happy with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra or Sony XM5 (though the latter is far more limited when it comes to spatial audio). But I’m calling it: These are currently my favorite wireless headphones.

Pros

Useful printed quick-start guide
Cleverly designed volume/play-control switch
Immaculate sound quality and spatial audio
Works with Sonos soundbars to provide private listening and spatial audio
USB-C-to-stereo cord included for wired listening

Cons

Sky-high price
Some might find it a little tight for comfort
Can be difficult to determine which noise mode is selected
TV Audio Swap currently works with Sonos Arc only

Best budget wireless headphones

Soundcore Space One Active Noise Cancelling Headphones

If you’re wondering whether $100 headphones can possibly rival ones costing three or four times as much, get ready for a surprise: It can. Soundcore’s Space One offers sweet sound and robust ANC. On those merits alone, I’d have no qualms about recommending it. But to quote the old commercial: Wait, there’s more.

Soundcore supplies a detailed quick-start guide that covers basic setup and operation. It’s a little “busy” because it crams multiple languages into each panel, but it’s still far more complete than the print instructions included with most headphones. Similarly, the Soundcore companion app is a model of simplicity: Everything is clearly labeled and logically organized.

Space Ones look stylish and feature comfortable padding throughout, though the build feels just a touch plasticky overall. The volume and play/pause buttons on the right earcup are a good size and well-placed, but good luck remembering which of the two left-earcup buttons is for power and which is for toggling ANC modes. (At least you get a vocal notification of which mode is active, which is preferable to the indecipherable tones produced by some other headphones.)

These ‘phones can play for a whopping 55 hours on a charge, or 40 if you use ANC. Just five minutes of USB-C quick-charging nets you up to four additional hours. (That’s for wireless play, by the way; Soundcore also supplies a stereo cord for wired listening, which requires no battery at all.) Apple’s pricey AirPods Max need to recharge after just 20 hours.

Space Ones also support LDAC, a lossless, high-resolution audio codec that promises even better sound from sources that support it. (That generally means Android phones; iPhones don’t do LDAC.) Is this a big deal for most listeners? No. Is it notable considering that some headphones costing significantly moredon’tsupport it? I’d say yes.

One of my favorite features is Easy Chat: Cup your hand over the left earcup and the headphones quickly switch into transparency mode so you can converse more comfortably. Soundcore also borrowed from Sony by including a speak-to-chat option (which at press time was in beta): No cupping needed, just start talking and transparency mode kicks in. Although it works as advertised, I don’t love it because sometimes I sing or talk to myself and don’t want the music cutting out every time. That said, the option is there for those who want it.

Also there: preprogrammed and custom equalizer modes, plus Soundcore’s HearID hearing test that will create a customized equalizer profile. It’s a fun little test to take, though I can’t say I noticed a huge difference between the before and after. Your mileage may vary depending on your age and hearing.

I’m no audiophile; I just like listening to music and going about my business. Space Ones don’t match the depth and richness offered by higher-end headphones like the Sonos Aces, but they sound perfectly good to my ears. And noise-cancelling exceeded my expectations given the price point (though this is one area where the app is a little confusing).

Pros

Useful printed instruction guide
Very good sound and noise-cancelling
Excellent companion app
Stellar battery life
Priced well below many competitors
Supports high-resolution LDAC codec

Cons

Slightly cheap feel
Drawstring carrying case
Button layout could be better

Best noise-cancelling wireless headphones

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

If blocking the outside world is your top priority, look no further than Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra headphones. Like the company’sQuietComfort Ultra earbuds, they take the prize for best ANC. As for fit, features and sound quality, they’re top-notch there as well.

Just don’t expect any help with setup, at least until you install and run the Bose app. The box includes no printed instructions, only a QR code to scan and a rudimentary diagram explaining the controls. Thankfully, once you use the app to pair the headphones with your phone, you’re immediately offered helpful tutorials on using various features.

For example: media controls. There’s a lone multi-function button that’s use to play/pause and skip tracks — easy enough. But to raise or lower volume, you run your finger along a skinny touch-sensitive strip embedded on the back of the right earcup. (You can also touch and hold the strip to activate a shortcut, like accessing your phone’s voice assistant.)

Both the button and touch-strip can be difficult to find without a little groping, at least until you get used to reaching for them. But because the touch control isn’t relegated to the entire outside edge of the earcup, as on some other headphones, you’re less likely to graze it by accident.

I do find a few aspects of the app confusing, like the Modes page where you choose between Quiet (aka ANC), Aware (transparency) and Immersion (spatial audio). But then there’s an entirely different screen devoted to Immersive Audio.

With these headphones, Bose continues its tradition of beautifully balanced and richly detailed audio. I can think of no other superlatives; the QC Ultras sound great, end of story. They also deliver terrific spatial audio, with a nifty option to toggle between Still and Motion modes depending on whether you’re sitting or moving.

The real standout feature, however, is ANC: In my tests, the Ultras were better at blocking noise than any other headphones. Consequently, these are probably my second-favorite cans behind the Sonos Aces. There’s a similarly premium price tag attached, though, and sale prices to date have been pretty modest.

Pros

Useful in-app tutorials and feature explanations
Rich, detailed sound and wonderful spatial audio
Top-notch noise cancellation
Folding design

Cons

Expensive
No printed setup instructions
So-so battery life
Awkwardly placed volume control

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Best headphones for Android users

Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise-Cancelling Headphones

If you’ve asked around (by which I mean looked at other websites), you know that Sony’s XM5s are widely regarded as one of the best ANC headphones you can get, if notthebest. But they’re two years old now, with smaller drivers than some competitors, limited spatial audio and an older version of Bluetooth. Is it time to look elsewhere?

If you’re not a tech-savvy user, then I’d say yes. Sony supplies no useful printed setup or operation instructions, just a QR code to scan. That takes you to the Sony Headphones Connect app, which shows up on your phone as just “Headphones” (confusing if you’re looking for something labeled Sony).

As with theSony WF-1000XM5 earbuds I tested earlier this year, I ran into trouble pairing them with my iPhone. After a fair bit of hair-pulling, I rebooted the phone; only then would it detect the XM5. I had no such issues with any other headphones I tested.

Next, the Sony app asks you to perform various setup activities, including 360 Reality Audio (which works only with select few apps). You can skip all these, but it’s just a lot for a novice user to take in. Same goes for Sony’s commendable but complex Adaptive Sound Control system, which “detects your actions and the places you frequent” to automatically adjusts ANC accordingly.

Put simply, I find Sony’s app to be unnecessarily confusing; you can read more about why in the aforementioned earbuds review. All my same complaints apply here.

So let’s overlook that and focus on the headphones themselves. They’re superb, bringing music to life with full-bodied detail and sumptuous bass. If you’re an Android user, you’ll also enjoy Sony’s LDAC Bluetooth codec, which supports Hi-Res Audio content (from compatible sources). iPhone users like me still enjoy premium sound, just without that optimization.

As for noise cancelling, it’s also excellent, on par with the best you’ll find anywhere. (That said, I must note that the XM5earbudsare better still.)

I have mixed feelings about Sony’s speak-to-chat feature: If you start talking to someone, the music cuts out while the microphones cut in — the better to allow clear conversation. Very cool on paper, but if you routinely talk to yourself or sing along to the music, you’ll want to toggle this off.

The only real downside here is the lack of ubiquitous spatial audio, a feature available in headphones from Apple, Bose, Sonos and others. Some people love it; others can take it or leave it. I’m in the former camp, but if you’re in the latter, the only remaining issue is sticker shock: The XM5 has a list price of $400, but they’re frequently on sale during the holidays. Even then they’re a splurge, but worth it for anyone who prizes a premium audio experience.

Pros

Eco-friendly packaging
Premium sound
Versatile noise-cancelling automatically adapts to your environment
Lots of useful tools in Sony’s companion app
High-resolution LDAC codec for Android users

Cons

Expensive (but often discounted)
Non-folding design
Spatial audio available only with a select few apps
App can be confusing in places

Best headphones for Apple die-hards

Apple AirPods Max

The Apple AirPods Max are not the best wireless headphones you can buy, not by a longshot. They sound great, sure, but they’re very expensive, with mediocre battery life and some notable usability quirks. Plus, they’re not a good choice for Android users; I’d recommend them only to die-hard Apple fans, and even then with some caveats.

Like other AirPods, Maxes are easy to pair with your iPhone or iPad; you just turn them on and bring them close: a screen pops up to get you connected. Of course, you need to charge the battery first, something not mentioned in Apple’s terse, incomplete printed instructions. (Neither is how to actually turn them on — which you can’t do if they’re not charged!)

Speaking of which, they still rely on a Lightning port; Apple has yet to transition them to USB-C, as it has done with AirPods Pro. That’s annoying, but this is even worse: Like the latter, the AirPods Maxes incorporate an inexplicably dumb, super-tiny charging LED. When you plug in the Lightning cable, it lights up orange — but only for a few seconds. Then it goes dark and stays that way; there’s no way to know at a glance if they’re actively charging, no way to know if they’re done charging. Instead, you have topress a buttonto see if it’s still orange or has made it to green (which indicates at least 95% full).

Sure, you can pull out your phone to check charging status, but that’s a hassle. Nearly every other electronic product on the planet keeps the LED illuminated, especially during charging.That’s how you know the status. Oh, and if the headphonesaren’tconnected to power and you push the button, the LED lights up green — which indicates at least 15% charge remaining. Only if it’s below 15% does it glow orange.

Meanwhile, if you’re using Maxes for the first time, you could easily overlook that LED and those few seconds of orange. Then you might think the headphones weren’t charging and come to the conclusion they’re defective. I wonder how many of these have been returned due to this.

Another user-hostile design decision: The big “L” and “R” inside the earcups (to indicate left and right ear) are the same non-contrasting color as the rest of the material, so it’s difficult to see them unless you catch the light just so. Consequently, I have to spend an extra few seconds figuring out proper orientation.

AirPods Maxes have the same controls as an Apple Watch: a button and a “digital crown.” The button quick-switches you between ANC and transparency modes. To adjust volume, you rotate the crown, which is great; I like this better than the button or touch controls employed by most other headphones. It’s super-precise and easy to find by feel.

However, the crown is also a multi-function button: press once to play/pause music or accept/end a phone call; twice to skip to the next track or reject a call; or three times to go to the previous track. That’s already a fair bit to remember, but when calls are involved, lotsa luck: you press and hold to reject a second incoming call, or twice to switch the current call from the headphones back to your phone, and so on and so on. I’ll never remember all this.

Because the AirPods Max don’t fold, they make for an extra-bulky addition to your backpack or carry-on bag. Much has already been said about the Maxes’ carrying case, which offers no protection for the headband and makes the whole thing look like a purse. Stylish? Sure, I guess. But also annoying: To put the headphones into ultra-low-power mode (which consumes less battery), you have to park them inside the case. They’ll also go into that mode if they spend 72 hours outside the case (and don’t get touched). Ooookay.

To cap off all this power/charging nonsense, AirPods Maxes can last a maximum of 20 hours on a charge — well below most of the other headphones in this roundup.

If it seems I’m spending an inordinate amount of time on usability issues versus, say, sound quality, it’s because I expect better from Apple — and from the amount I spent on them. Make no mistake, AirPods Maxes sound great; ANC quality: also great. Spatial audio: superb. I also like the build quality, shiny metallic coloring and overall comfort. (These are some seriously cushy and breathable earcups.)

But that’s what I expect from a premium headphone with a premium price. And while on that subject, AirPods Maxes are among the most expensive headphones on the market. Like Apple’s AirPods Pro earbuds, they’re frequently discounted, but even on sale they’re costlier than premium competitors from Bose and Sony.

Therefore: If you love Apple gear and you’re willing to overlook numerous irritating flaws, I suspect you’ll love the AirPods Maxes. Everyone else: You can do better.

Pros

Solid build quality
Very comfortable earcups that are easy to replace
Easy to pair with Apple devices and automatically switches between them
Superb spatial audio

Cons

Very expensive (even when discounted)
Confusing setup instructions
Poorly designed charging LED
Still uses Lightning connector instead of USB-C
Below-average battery life
Digital crown is great for controlling volume but bad for everything else
No headphone jack for wired listening
‘Smart’ case is anything but

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How we test wireless headphones

With dozens (and dozens) of over-ear headphone models to choose from, how did I decide which made the cut? Audio is a highly subjective thing; the best sound to one set of ears might sound less so to another. For example, if you’re not a fan of heavy bass, you might dislike ‘phones designed to boost that thump. And if you’re older, maybe you care more about dialogue enhancement (for movies, podcasts and such) than anything else.

There’s also the question of fit: Not every headphone sits comfortably atop every head. A tight headband or mushy earpads can make for an uncomfortable experience.

Finally, when evaluating headphone sound, there’s always the source to consider: If you use a music streaming service like Apple Music or Spotify, data compression can result in a slight loss of fidelity. Will the average listener care about that, or even notice it? Probably not, but it’s still a piece of the puzzle.

All this is to say that different people have different ears, heads, needs and preferences. Budgets too. Therefore, my picks for this roundup are based on a combination of personal experience, product reputation, professional reviews, specs, user ratings and, finally, price tag. You won’t find only high-end, super-expensive headphones here, nor will you find cheap off-brand junk. Every product I’ve selected deserves its “best” designation for one reason or another.

FAQs

What is active noise cancelling (ANC)?

The hot headphone feature of the 21st century is active noise cancelling, otherwise known as ANC. Flip a switch (or press a button) and the earpieces magically reduce a certain range of ambient sounds. Jet engines, for example, or backyard lawnmowers. The result is that you’re able to fly, work or exercise in relative peace.

Some headphones perform this trick better than others, but the good news is it’s now a staple feature: Even the most affordable ones have it. Take note, however, that activating ANC will cost you a bit of battery life and possibly some audio fidelity as well. But it’s optional, so you can always turn it off if it’s not necessary or if you decide you don’t like it.

What’s the difference between ‘noise canceling’ and ‘noise cancelling’?

An extra letter “L,” that’s it. They’re exactly the same technology, but for whatever reason, both spellings are used. (Go home, English language, you’re drunk.)

What is driver size and why does it matter?

In simple terms, “driver” is just audio-speak for “speaker.” And bigger is always better, right? Yes,but… there’s a bit more to it than that. As with actual speakers, there’s more to sound quality than just size. The materials used, the electronics behind those materials, the overall fit of the headphones, etc. Don’t let driver size alone determine which headphones you buy.

Do you need special headphones for watching TV?

In most cases, no! Many modern TVs and streaming devices (Roku, Fire TV, etc.) support Bluetooth, meaning you could pair any of these headphones for private listening. The only potential issue is audio that’s slightly out of sync with video, which can happen with older TVs/streamers. And if you have gear that doesn’t support Bluetooth, you might need to invest in something like theSennheiser RS 175 wireless headphone system for TVs, which relies on RF (radio frequency) technology for wireless listening.

How do noise-cancelling headphones work?

This will sound strange, but these headphones fight noise with … noise. External microphones listen to the ambient sounds, then reproduce those frequencies in your ears, effectively cancelling them out. Talk about sufficiently advanced technology that’s indistinguishable from magic!

Do noise-cancelling headphones protect hearing?

After a fashion. By reducing outside sound, ANC headphones save you from having to crank the volume just so you can hear your music — and that itself is a form of hearing protection. There’s a related benefit as well: If you’re on a long flight or stuck in a noisy terminal, ANC helps to drown out engine and crowd noise, the better to keep your stress level low.

Are noise-cancelling headphones safe?

There are no known safety hazards to using noise-cancelling headphones. The only risk, as with any headphones, is playing music too loudly and damaging your hearing.

Apple preparing 3-year modem rollout in bid to outdo Qualcomm — starting with the iPhone SE 4

Another in-house phone part

For the last few years, Apple has been on a quest to end its reliance on iPhone components from other companies. The latest bit to get the ax looks to be the cellular modem chip, and a switch to an Apple-made part looks imminent.

Currently,Qualcommmakes the modems in your iPhone, but a new report fromBloomberg’s Mark Gurmanclaims that Apple’s in-house modem will debut in 2025.

The first iPhone to feature this new modem will reportedly be theiPhone SE 4, which is expected tolaunch in the springof next year. However, Gurman claims that the first version of Apple’s modem will be much weaker than the currently available Qualcomm chip.

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Simply, the modem on your smartphone enables the handset to connect to cell towers so it can make calls and connect to the internet over cellular.

Apple wants to surpass Qualcomm by 2027 with increasingly “more advanced” chips, according to the Bloomberg story.

Gurman gets more in-depth in the history of Apple’s modem development but briefly, Apple has been working on this project since at least 2021, having spent billions including acquiringIntel’s modem group and hundreds of engineers.

Interestingly, the first version of the modem, codenamed Sinope, won’t be in the flagshipiPhone 17models next year. Instead, it will launch with the iPhone SE 4. The new modem also may feature in the much-rumorediPhone 17 Airand lower-end iPads. It appears the SE 4 will be a real test for Apple’s in-house modem.

Sinope won’t support mmWave, a 5G technology that can handle large download speeds. Instead, it’s supposed to feature a Sub-6Ghz standard that’s featured on the currentiPhone SE, which debuted in 2022.

Allegedly, because this new modem will be more integrated with Apple’s iPhone systems, it will be more efficient, use less power and better support network connections, despite its downgraded connectivity.

Like much of Apple’s chip components, Sinope is going to be produced by TSM, who also make the Apple-designed A-series of processors.

According to the report, Apple-built modems will feature in more products in 2026, including the iPhone 18. iPad Pros are slated to feature a third-generation modem by 2027. By then, Apple’s modem should support mmWave and bigger download speeds.

Gurman briefly noted that Apple is considering merging the modem and main processor as one component.

With advancing processors and capabilities the iPhone is a powerful device, it will be interesting to see what effect the modem switch will have on Apple’s devices.

Google Wallet can now hold your US passport

（Source: Google）

Now you’ve got one less thing you have to fish for in your pocket or purse at the airport. Starting today, Google Wallet can carry a digital copy of your US passport and use them at Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) checkpoints.

If you want toadd your passportto Google’s virtual wallet, first you’ll need to download the Google Wallet app and log into your account or create one. Check the prompt “create an ID pass with your US passport” and follow the instructions. The app will ask you to take a video selfie to verify your identity and scan the security chip in your passport. It should only take a few minutes for Google to confirm your identity.

Your digital passport won’t work at every airport. Currently, there are 27 states (and Puerto Rico) with at least one airport that accepts digital forms of identification.The TSA websitecan show you which states and airports accept digital IDs.

Google has been testingthe use and storage of digital passports in Google Wallet for some time. Several states have started accepting digital IDs just in the last few months.New Mexicois the newest state to accept digital IDs including driver’s licenses and state IDs in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet.

Google Pixel 9a prototype leak shows a radical redesign for Google’s next phone

The camera bar could disappear

Pixel 8a review: Google brings its A-game to the mid-range, but also some surprises

The Google Pixel 8a

More images of the incoming Google Pixel 9a have leaked
The rear camera bar doesn’t appear, suggesting a design shakeup
Expect to see a launch sometime in 2025

In ourGoogle Pixel 9 reviewwe describedGoogle’s latest flagship as “a fantastic phone”, and we may have been given an early glimpse at what Google’s next handset is going to look like when it shows up sometime in 2025.

That handset is the Google Pixel 9a, and two pictures of what’s being described as a “prototype” have been posted by@feni_bookand@OnLeaks– though it’s not immediately clear where these images have come from.

These real world photos closely match leaked renders we sawback in Octoberand other imagesposted online in August. It seems Google is going to ditch the raised camera bar around the back of the phone, in favor of a flatter look.

Whether you like the raised camera bar or not, it is distinctly Pixel – so it’s a little strange that Google would abandon the established design for something that’s more ordinary and arguably less visually appealing.

(Google Pixel 9a leaked./Foto: feni_book)

These new images don’t tell us anything more about the Google Pixel 9a other than what it looks like, and that there’ll be a single selfie camera on the front and a dual-camera setup around the back of the handset.

Based on aprevious leak, we’re expecting the phone to measure 154.7mm x 73.2mm x 8.9mm, which makes it slightly bigger and wider than theGoogle Pixel 8a. It may be that the screen will be a touch larger than the 6.1-inch one on its predecessor.

That’s backed up by aseparate leakthat put the screen size of the Pixel 9a at 6.3 inches. The display will apparently jump from 60Hz to 120Hz in terms of refresh rate, while the same Tensor G4 from the Pixel 9 series is tipped to appear here too.

We might also have some color information too, with a few tweaks from the Pixel 8a that launched this year. As for pricing, the launch price of the Pixel 8a is expected to be matched next year: $499.

Google confirms the Pixel 6, Pixel 7, and Pixel Fold will get two extra Android OS upgrades

They were initially promised three, and now they’re getting five.

What you need to know

Google quietly updated a support document that now explains the Pixel 6 series, Pixel 7 series, and Pixel Fold will receive five full OS upgrades.
Originally, Google promised these devices would get three full Android OS upgrades, and five years of security updates.
The extension was rumored when the Pixel 6 series became eligible for the Android 16 developer preview, and it’s now official.

Google is retroactively providing an extra two years of full OS upgrades to the Pixel 6 series, Pixel 7 series, and Pixel Fold, it quietly detailed in anupdated support document. Additionally, the company says that during this extended window, these models “may” also get new features through Pixel Drops.

The change was first spotted byNail Sadykov on X(viaMishaal Rahman). It confirms what was originally suspected when Google released the first developer preview for Android 16 last month: the company plans to support the Pixel 6, Pixel 7, and Pixel Fold beyond its initial promises. TheAndroid 16 Developer Preview 1updatesupported the Pixel 6, Pixel 6a, and Pixel 6 Pro, even though Android 15 should be its last OS upgrade according to Google’s three-year promise.

Now, the entire Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series — plus the original Pixel Fold — will get a total of five years of OS upgrades from the time they were first released. That’s two more years than Google initially promised, as its first guarantee was that each of these models would get three years of OS upgrades and five years of security update.

>>>GPDX1 Battery for Google Pixel Fold

>>>GP5JE Battery for Google Pixel 7a

The change means that the Pixel 6, Pixel 6a, and Pixel 6 Pro should receive Android 16 and Android 17. Meanwhile, the Pixel 7, Pixel 7a, Pixel 7 Pro, and Pixel Fold should receive Android 16, Android 17, and Android 18.

Google has significantly expanded its guaranteed software support windows since it switched to its in-house Tensor processors, setting a new industry-standard with seven years of full OS upgrades on the Pixel 8 andPixel 9 series. However, competitors are catching up. Qualcomm recently announced theSnapdragon 8 Elite chipsetcould support up to eight years of major Android version updates.

The Google Pixel brand has grown of late,earning double-digit market share. It seems that Google is now showing some goodwill to Pixel owners by extending the support their existing devices will receive.

Samsuset for early 2025ng’s first One UI 7 beta is available now, public release

The Samsung Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24 Plus, and Galaxy S24 Ultra are eligible.

What you need to know

Samsung’s upcoming One UI 7 update, based on Android 15, has experienced numerous delays, but a beta is available now.
The update is expected to debut near or alongside the release of the Samsung Galaxy S25 series in January.
One UI 7 adds new features like theNow Bar, newcamera toggles, and persistentWriting Tools.

Samsung today announced that,after numerous delays, the first One UI 7 beta is now available for theSamsung Galaxy S24 series. The company says that Samsung Members can apply for access to the One UI 7 beta starting today to gain early access to the Android 15-based update. Otherwise, the upgrade is expected to launch early next year alongside the upcomingSamsung Galaxy S25 series, as the company confirms One UI 7 will release publicly in the first quarter of 2025.

One UI 7is set to launch with “upcoming Galaxy S series devices,” but will arrive on other Galaxy devices as part of a gradual rollout. For now, the Samsung Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24 Plus, and Galaxy S24 Ultra are the only three models known for certain to be eligible for the One UI 7 beta immediately. It’s possible that the beta could be expanded to include the Galaxy S24 FE, Galaxy Z Fold 6, and Galaxy Z Flip 6.

As was expected, Samsung is doubling down onGalaxy AIwith One UI 7. It’s specifically trying to compete with Apple Intelligence with more system-wide software tools. For example, Writing Tools — a set of generative AI-based grammar and writing options — are now able to be used anywhere without needing to switch apps.

Additionally, Samsung touts that One UI 7 will bring “more intuitive interaction and greater personalization,” with AI at the heart of it.

Samsung also shared a few details about the new features One UI 7 will bring. ANow Barwill become a new part of the One UI lock screen, making it possible for users to see important notifications dynamically without needing to open their phone. Additionally, the Camera app in One UI 7 is getting a boost, as the viewfinder now includes new buttons, controls, and modes. In another Apple Intelligence-inspired feature,Call Transcriptwill automatically transcribe recorded calls in 20 supported languages.

A few security improvements add aKnox Matrix dashboardthat lets users view their connected devices in one place,Credential Syncs, and a new recovery method for data transfers.

You can apply to gain access to the One UI 7 beta and test these features for yourself by becoming a Samsung Member if you have a Galaxy S24 series device.

Tim Cook won’t leave Apple until a voice in his head tells him to do so

Cook opines on legacy, Vision Pro, and Apple Intelligence

Tim Cook sat down with Wired for a wide-ranging interview
He confirmed that Apple hasn’t considered charging for AI features as of yet
Cook shedded some light on Vision Pro performance, albeit indirectly

I likeTim Cook. The now long-timeAppleCEO is gracious, smart, and as close to a human sphinx as you can imagine. He rarely drops major news, either casually or when the media are grilling him.

Cook did not disappoint inhis latest wide-ranging interview with Wired’s Steven Levy. One of the best in the business, Levy peppered Cook with questions about everything from theiPhone’s 16’snew Camera Control button toApple Intelligence, the company, and his own legacy. Cook didn’t exactly break news, but there were areas where he revealed a bit more about himself and some of Apple’s strategic decisions relating to AI, mixed reality, and what comes next for Cook himself.

Apple Intelligence, Apple’s brand of AI that Cook insists is not a pun, has been slowly rolling out to supported iPhones, iPads, and Macs, with each iteration getting a bit closer to what Apple promised during its JuneWWDC 2024keynote. Cook didn’t walk through any new features, though he does have a point of view on the fine line between utility and taking over. Cook tends to believe that AI is an assistant (like a copilot, I guess) and is not straight-up doing things for you.

However, Cook’s perspective on charging for additional and maybe more powerful AI Apple Intelligence features was more interesting. It’s not a discussion they’ve been having on the Apple Campus.

“We never talked about charging for it,” Cook told Levy. Now, that doesn’t mean it’s off the table, but since Apple and Cook view Apple Intelligence as similar to multitouch on the iPhone, AI is likely a feature that adds value to all the other products and services Apple charges for. Apple could simply raise the prices on them to cover the cost of building and supporting Apple intelligence features.

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Vision Pro realities

Apple has been mum onVision Prosales. The powerful VR and mixed-reality headset is undoubtedly the apex of Apple’s consumer electronics capabilities and the company makes you pay dearly for it – $3,500 – which may account for consumer apathy.

Cook didn’t speak directly about sales performance, but he’s still bullish about the headset. I think, though, he may have acknowledged that the pricey wearable is not for everyone. Here’s how Cook characterized it to Levy:

“It’s an early adopter product, for people who want tomorrow’s technology today.”

Cook insisted that the ecosystem is flourishing, which may be a sign of product category health, but then he added one encouraging bit of almost news about what might come next.

Levy asked aboutMeta OrionandSnap AR glasses. These lighter and more glasses-like wearables focus on AR experiences, and I wondered if Vision Pro’s next iteration could be headed in that direction.

“Yes,” Cook told Levy, “It’s a progression over time in terms of what happens with form factors.”

I think the market cannot wait to try out those next form factors.

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After Cook

Some believe that Apple Hardware lead John Ternus is thenext likely Apple CEO, but for Ternus to step in, Cook would have to step away. The current Apple CEO, however, did not paint a picture of someone running out ofsteamor one who is becoming less engaged with the brand.

The Apple-Tim Cook love affair is still very much alive. Cook is not planning his exit and told Levy that he would not “do it until the voice in my head says, ‘It’s time.”

Cook said he loves the job and can’t imagine his life without it. Put another way, Tim Cook will be steering the Apple ship and building upon his legacy, which Cook wants to be health. “We have research going on. We’re pouring all of ourselves in here, and we work on things that are years in the making,” Cook told Levy.

I think it will likely be Apple Silicon for many years to come, though.

Google is rolling out new AI features for Android phones, plus some that are just for Pixel

Expressive Captions and more are here

(Image credit: Google)

Expressive Captions add feelings and [gasp] emotions to Android’s Live Captions
Google Lookout gets new Gemini enhancements
Gemini on Pixel phones will now remember more information about you and your interests

Googlehas released a number of new AI features for most Android phones, plus a couple that work only on its Pixel range of devices.

Some of the new features work inGoogle Gemini, Google’s AI app, but most of them work throughout the whole Androidoperating system, which means there will be some big changes for Android users. Let’s break it down.

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Expressive Captions

Here’s how the same football game looks with Expressive Captions turned off and on(Image credit: Google)

First up are Expressive Captions, which are a way of bringing more emotions into the rather dull and lifeless world of subtitles and captions. Google introducedLive Captionsto Android back in 2019, so if anything plays audio on your phone, it also has captions. They work much the same way that automatic subtitles do onYouTubevideos – your phone generates them live, based on what it interprets the person is saying.

Live Captions, however, remain rather lifeless. With Expressive Captions, Google is utilizing the power of AI to help you get more of the context of what’s happening. You’ll see comments in square brackets like [whispers] and [cheers and applause] appearing amongst captions, giving you a better understanding of the feelings and emotions being conveyed.

Intense vocalizations will be written in [ALL CAPS], while vocalizations like [sighing], [grunting] and [gasping] will also appear. Ambient background sounds will also be tagged. Because Live Captions are part of the operating system you’ll now get Expressive Captions with most things you watch, so look out for them.

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Gemini in Lookout

(Image credit: Google)

Google Lookoutis an assisted-vision app that’s available on Android devices via thePlay Store. It uses AI to help people with low levels of vision, or sight loss, explore the world around them using their phone’s camera. You can use it for reading out text, scanning food labels, currency identification, and even scanning your surroundings to identify things like doors and windows and find out how far away they are.

Now Gemini AI is part of the Lookout app, which means it has much richer, more helpful descriptions. If you take a photo in the app you’ll now hear its description read aloud in a natural-sounding voice, and you can ask Loopout follow-up questions about it.

New Gemini extensions

The more extensions that Google Gemini has, the more apps it can bring its AI magic to. Now Gemini has a new Spotify extension, which means you can play your favorite songs or discover playlists from within Gemini.

Gemini will now also connect to your phone and messages app, meaning you can call contacts and send messages from within Gemini. Google says that “soon” you’ll be able to use Gemini to control your smart home devices. Finally, Gemini will now also connect to Maps, which means you’ll get more information about places.

More Android features

Pizza-themed sticker combos available in Emoji Kitchen.(Image credit: Google)

Also in the December update you’ll find new pizza-theme sticker combos that you can share with friends using Emoji Kitchen in Gboard, Google’s keyboard app. You can also use QR codes in Quick Share, which makes it easy to share pictures, videos and documents without having to add people as contacts or verify devices. Now you just generate a QR code for people to scan. Documents you scan using your phone will also now be improved, with better contrast and white balance.

Pixel-only features

Circle to search on a Pixel phone.(Image credit: Google)

If you’ve got a Google Pixel phone then you get some extra features in the December Android update. There are a lot of small updates to things like the camera and security settings, but the most important feature is Gemini Saved Info. This means you can ask Gemini to remember more about you, what you’re interested in, and what you like, so that it can tailor its responses to more of what you’ll be interested in.

Pixel users will also get some updates to the Pixel-exclusive app, Pixel Screenshots. Pixel Screenshots uses Gemini to analyze and recall the information embedded in your screenshots. Now you can use Pixel Screenshots to save things when you’re using Circle to Search with just one tap.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is the latest smartwatch to get Wear OS 5

All of Samsung’s Wear OS smartwatch models have now started receiving One UI 6 Watch in at least one region.

What you need to know

The last stage of Samsung’s One UI 6 Watch rollout appears to be underway, with users in Korea seeing the update become available for the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic.
The move comes as Samsung has updated the Galaxy Watch 6 series, Galaxy Watch 5 series, and Galaxy Watch FE to Wear OS 5 in recent days and weeks.
The updates, beginning abroad, will eventually come to the US and North America at a later date.

Samsung is reaching the final stage of itslengthy One UI 6 Watch rollout, which brings Wear OS 5 to all the company’s Wear OS smartwatches. As of today, users in Korea started seeing the One UI 6 Watch update become available for the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, according to aposton Samsung’s community forums. The update is currently available for only the Bluetooth models of theGalaxy Watch 4 series, and only in Korea — for now.

The company launched One UI 6 Watch alongside theGalaxy Watch Ultraand Galaxy Watch 7, released in July. It made its way to the Galaxy Watch 6 series late last month. Just yesterday, Dec. 3,Samsung brought the Wear OS 5 upgrade to the Galaxy Watch 5 series and the Galaxy Watch FE.

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That means all of Samsung’s Wear OS watches, from the oldest Galaxy Watch 4 to the cheapestGalaxy Watch FE, are beginning to get the boost to One UI 6 Watch. As is typically the case, Bluetooth models of the Galaxy Watch will receive the upgrade in a few regions to start. Then, over the coming days and weeks, LTE-equipped models will become eligible to upgrade, and it’ll arrive in more regions. North American units are often towards the end of the line when it comes to receiving One UI 6 Watch upgrades.

(Image credit: Samsung)

A core part of the One UI 6 Watch update are health-related feature additions. Samsung is banking on the combination of Samsung Health and Galaxy AI, aiming to use it to help wearers improve their fitness and health. Energy Score is like Samsung’s rendition of Garmin’s Body Battery, and Sleep Analysis aims to let you know how well you slept. These features were exclusive to newer Galaxy Watch models at first, but are making their way to older ones now.

Samsung initially promised up to four years of software updates for the Galaxy Watch 4, which isn’t much of a concrete guarantee. However, it appears that old smartwatch may be nearing the end of its software support.Wear OS 5.1looks like a minor update, based onAndroid 15, so the chances of the Galaxy Watch 4 making it to the eventual Wear OS 6 are slim.

Still, the first-generation of any product line typically receives poor software support, but that hasn’t been the case with the Galaxy Watch 4 (which is a first-gen product in the sense that it was Samsung’s first Wear OS watch). It’s had a great run with software upgrades, starting with Wear OS 3 and now supporting Wear OS 5.

Pixel owners can now check their device temperature with the latest app update

A new Pixel Troubleshooting app update brings the temperature check feature to Pixel 6 and above.

What you need to know

Google Pixel Troubleshooting update gets new Device Temperature check feature.
It allows Pixel 6, Pixel 7, Pixel 8, and Pixel 9 users to check their device temperatures whenever their devices seem warm to touch.
The temperature check feature involves relevant color schemes to accurately represent the device’s condition.

Some Pixel phones might have a nifty new feature that lets users identify how hot their devices are running directly from their handsets’ battery settings.

Google has apparently released a Pixel Troubleshooting app update for its devices, ranging from Pixel 6 to the latestPixel 9 series, notes9to5Google. The latest update brings a new “Device temperature” feature, which can be seen in the Battery section of the device Settings.

(Image credit: 9to5Google)

It sits under the battery diagnostics’ “Phone is very warm” section, which earlier showcased settings that keep the device battery optimized. Another way to access the new page is to directly search for “Device temperature” through the Settings app.

Under the Device temperature, users can now find four relevant colors, evidently dubbed Cold, Normal, Warm, and Elevated, indicating the current temperature state of the device.

The new page further indicates that the projected device temperature is according to various internal sensors that the aforementioned Pixel phones already ship with. 9to5 further notes that users can also witness other tips like “To cool down your phone, provide airflow to your phone if possible” and “Use only cases or covers made for your specific phone,” among others.

The live device temperature is being rolled out via the Pixel Troubleshooting app bearing the1.0.693922709version. Pixel phones include the Pixel 6, Pixel 7, Pixel 8, and the Pixel 9 series. It has not yet been rolled out to Pixel Tablet. As 9to5 notes, the update was seen running on the devices mentioned above, running on stableAndroid 15, which wasrecently rolled outto all compatible Pixel phones.

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For the uninitiated, the Pixel Troubleshooting app was introduced last year, and the Pixel 8 was one of the first handsets to receive the feature. It helps users diagnose their battery and network issues, and the new temperature feature is indeed a valuable addition as it eliminates the need for installing third-party apps or devices to measure the device’s temperature.

The best noise-cancelling wireless headphones of 2024

Best wireless headphones overall

Sonos Ace Wireless Headphones

Other noise-cancelling wireless headphones we recommend

Best budget wireless headphones

Soundcore Space One Active Noise Cancelling Headphones

Best noise-cancelling wireless headphones

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

Best headphones for Android users

Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Best headphones for Apple die-hards

Apple AirPods Max

How we test wireless headphones

FAQs

What is active noise cancelling (ANC)?

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What is driver size and why does it matter?

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How do noise-cancelling headphones work?

Do noise-cancelling headphones protect hearing?

Are noise-cancelling headphones safe?

What you need to know

What you need to know

Vision Pro realities

After Cook

Expressive Captions

Gemini in Lookout

New Gemini extensions

More Android features

Pixel-only features

What you need to know

What you need to know