Sony confirms launch of four new Bluetooth headphones

The four new products are the MDR-1ABTs; the MDR-ZX770BNs; the MDR-ZX330BTs; and MDR-AS600BTs – all of which feature NFC for instant wireless connections to enabled Walkmans, MP3 players or smartphones.

And its the MDR-1ABTs (above) that come with LDAC on board, a new codec that Sony says delivers high-quality wireless listening by sending three times as much data as a standard Bluetooth connection is normally capable of.

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Sony says the new LDAC technology will stream "pristine, lag-free" audio from compatible devices such as the high-resolution NW-ZX2 Walkman, the £950 portable player we first caught sight of at CES 2015 in January.

In addition, the MDR-1ABTs include 40mm HD driver units and DSEE technology, which is said to serve up "a more natural sound experience". A touch sensor at the side, meanwhile, lets you skip tracks or adjust volume.

The second addition to Sony's headphone line-up is the MDR-ZX770BN (above) – the latest digital noise-cancelling Bluetooth headphones that sport around-the-ear design and uses the company's DNC software engine.

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With noise cancelling on, it's claimed the MDR-ZX770BNs can last up to 13 hours between battery charges. Meanwhile, the third addition – the MDR-ZX330BTs – contain 30mm driver units and has a battery life of 30 hours.

The final new headphones are the MDR-AS600BTs (above) – designed for the "toughest workout", letting you exercise with the convenience of Bluetooth streaming. A built-in mic and splash-proof design are also prominent features.

It is expected the MDR-1ABTs (£300), MDR-ZX770BNs (£130), MDR-ZX330BTs (£70) will hit the shelves in Europe in May, while the MDR-AS600BTs (£70) are poised to go on sale in April.

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Pete was content editor on What Hi-Fi?, overseeing production and publication of digital content. In creating and curating feature articles for web and print consumption, he provided digital and editorial expertise and support to help reposition What Hi-Fi? as a ‘digital-first’ title; reflecting the contemporary media trends. He is now a senior content strategist.