Sony WF-1000XM3
Review date: 11/02/2020
Tiny little wireless earbuds that cancel noise, play music, let you make calls, and bug Google Assistant or Alexa with all your questions. Sony's wireless earbuds look cool and comes with a "high-friction rubber surface" that's supposed to keep them snug in your ear, even if that feature sounds kinda funny. Sony, can we please talk for a minute about how you've developed the world's most confusing naming system for your headphone though? Because, really, what is up with that?
What could happen if something goes wrong
We couldn't find too much that could go wrong with these wireless headphones. We suppose you might go and try to read their privacy policy, get lulled into boredom by the complex, legal language and fall asleep with the volume on your headphones up way too loud, causing hearing loss. Don't listen to your music so loud when reading privacy policies! And Sony, make your privacy information more accessible to consumers. Sony does say it may use or share anonymized personal data for marketing purposes. This is generally OK, although many privacy researchers will point out it is relatively easy to de-anonymize such data.
Privacy
Can it snoop on me?
Camera
Device: No
App: Yes
Microphone
Device: Yes
App: No
Tracks Location
Device: No
App: Yes
What is required to sign up?
No
Phone
No
Third party account
No
What data does it collect?
Personal
If using the headphones connect app, the following data is collected: Name, email address, postal code, date of birth
Biometric
If you enable Alexa or the Google Assistant, your voice data will go back to those providers
Social
How does it use this data?
How can you control your data?
What is the company’s known track record for protecting users’ data?
No known incidents in the last 2 years.
Can this product be used offline?
User friendly privacy information?
Links to privacy information
Security
Does this product meet our Minimum Security Standards?
Encryption
Uses encryption for the Bluetooth.
Strong password
You can use the headphones without having to create a password. The device pairs securely via Bluetooth, which does not require a password. If you choose to use the app, it does require a password if you'd like to use the "Backup and restoration of settings" functionality.
Security updates
This is optional. Select "Automatic download of software" of ‘Headphones Connect’" app to enable you to automatically keep your software updated.
Manages vulnerabilities
Sony has a bug bounty program, which means that anyone who finds a security issue and discloses it responsibly may get paid. https://hackerone.com/sony
Privacy policy
Sony's privacy policy begins with a summary of key points, which is useful.
