We had to wait a few weeks, but the first major update of Pulse Explore is finally available.
At the end of last year, a few weeks after PlayStation Portal, Sony released its Pulse Explore, the first official PlayStation wireless headphones. Headphones priced at €219, equipped with PS Link technology and intended to work (almost exclusively) with the PS Portal and the PlayStation 5, as we explained in our full test.
Pulse Explores are updated (finally!)
At launch, Sony’s Pulse Explore offered an overall decent experience, but very limited. The audio rendering is very pleasant, the headphones are rather comfortable, but apart from a selling price that is too high and an almost “” 100% PlayStation “, we also noted various defects, such as the absence of equalizer or even micro-disconnections on PS5.
Furthermore, certain elements remained relatively unclear regarding the software monitoring of Pulse Explore, with regard to the operation of updates. With the new firmware of the PS5, a console that we of course tested, Sony has (finally!) upgraded its Pulse Explore (and the upcoming Pulse Elite headset).
On the menu: an equalizer… and better stability?
Thus, the next time they connect with their PS5, Pulse Explore users will be greeted by a message informing them of the availability of a software update, for the headphones, and the small PS Link dongle (essential for pairing on the Sony console, including the recent PS5 Slim).
An update which requires repositioning the headphones in the charging case, before connecting the latter via USB to the PS5. After a few minutes, the update is carried out.
From then on, via the settings or via the tab dedicated to sound options (by pressing the PS button on the controller), you access an equalizer dedicated to Pulse Explore. It’s up to the player to opt for a predefined rendering, or to create their personalized profile. Added to this is a new function that allows you to better hear your own voice during a voice chat.
As mentioned above, the Pulse Explore headphones sometimes tended to disconnect briefly during gaming sessions on PS5. Even though Sony does not mention anything on this subject, the update seems to have corrected the situation, since no disconnection has been reported on our side since the new version of the software, with the added bonus of pairing which also seems more immediate, more stable.
€229.99
7
- Gaming headphones designed for purely “PlayStation” use
- Very successful audio rendering
- PlayStation Link technology
It’s simple, if you want to use the Pulse Explore with your PS5, your PS VR2 and/or your PlayStation Portal (and the price of €219 is not a problem for you), treat yourself, without being perfect, the experience is excellent, and the headphones are clearly designed for the PlayStation ecosystem.
On the other hand, for use via Bluetooth with a smartphone for example, the Pulse Explore quickly proves to be very (very) limited. Certainly, the audio rendering remains very good, but the headphones lack a ton of features to hope to replace AirPods or Buds. No noise reduction, no play/pause button, no volume control, no automatic pause when removing an earphone, no software to adjust the EQ…
In short, despite a few shortcomings, the Pulse Explore offers a very good gaming experience, but their acquisition will only make sense if you want to use them exclusively with your PS5 (and your PS VR2) and/or your PlayStation Portal.
It’s simple, if you want to use the Pulse Explore with your PS5, your PS VR2 and/or your PlayStation Portal (and the price of €219 is not a problem for you), treat yourself, without being perfect, the experience is excellent, and the headphones are clearly designed for the PlayStation ecosystem.
On the other hand, for use via Bluetooth with a smartphone for example, the Pulse Explore quickly proves to be very (very) limited. Certainly, the audio rendering remains very good, but the headphones lack a ton of features to hope to replace AirPods or Buds. No noise reduction, no play/pause button, no volume control, no automatic pause when removing an earphone, no software to adjust the EQ…
In short, despite a few shortcomings, the Pulse Explore offers a very good gaming experience, but their acquisition will only make sense if you want to use them exclusively with your PS5 (and your PS VR2) and/or your PlayStation Portal.
Source : PlayStation
PlayStation Pulse Explore
Wireless headphones
release date: 06-12-2023
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