Sony SEO Slips Out New 1000X Flagship

We all have that friend who, if we want a rumour started, we tell them something “in confidence”. Whether or not this is Sony’s play or they have accidentally left it to some on-site alt-text to break the news, only those behind it know for sure.

Sony WH-1000XM6

So, what’s all the hullabaloo? Thanks to The Walkman Blog's diligence, we already knew that Sony had trademarked 1000X The Collexion. These things can either lead to something or nothing, as it’s in a company’s best interest to get first dibs before someone else does. That was last year.

Fast forward to very recently, and The Walkman Blog does it again by spotting information appearing on Sony’s Australian and New Zealand sites before it was hastily removed.

Making it all the more official, a holding page on the Antipodean Sony sites not only put the 1000X The Collexion name out there but also hinted at where the brand is aiming to place its new headphones.

Generated image based on alt-text

Sadly, no images were posted, but there was an alt-text description of what the image would be and the basis for our mock-ups. Alt-text is used for search engines and accessibility. In this case, "A man in a black coat stands against a brown gradient background, wearing white 1000X The Collexion headphones."

The full model name is said to be WH-1000XX, which would be an over-ear model similar to the WH-1000XM6. The naming may also be a reference to the original MDR-1000X, which is approaching its tenth birthday. That could make the additional ‘X’ a nod to an anniversary model via Roman numerals. Alternatively, of course, the 'XX' might just indicate that they haven't fully decided its name.

Sony WH-1000XM6

Then there is the "Master the art of listening" tagline and a leaked €629 | A$1,000 price tag. This, to us, suggests something premium, both in audio quality and materials. The headphones are said to be earmarked for manufacture in Vietnam.

We know that black and white finish options will be available, but that’s hardly headline news. Nor are the expected active noise cancelling, Sony’s DSEE Ultimate audio processing, and a Mediatek MT2855 chip on the spec sheets.

Interesting, we have heard that the WH-1000XX will sport metal hinges, although the headphones are not expected to fold. Make of that what you will.

Given the tagline and price tag, suspicion is high that this might even be more than a flagship anniversary edition but a whole new range. Thankfully, with a suggested launch date of May 19, we shouldn’t have to wait long to find out.

Visit Sony for more information