NW-ZX300 Firmware Update on Mac

[globet]

Hi.  I have had an NW-ZX300 for about a year; terrific device.  When I first got it I tried to update it from original firmware to 2.0, but the update application failed repeatedly.  Sony couldn't help.  Neither Apple nor McAfee could help, despite accessing the Mac remotely, amending permissions. It's not a connectivity issue because the Sony device synchronises perfectly with the Mac (but Sony's media transfer application also doesn't work - I use CCC.

Eventually I went into an Apple store, connected it to one of their in-store demo Macs, downloaded and ran the updater and it worked first time.  I've now updated the Mac from Mojave to Catalina, completely re-installed the McAfee A/V software and downloaded the Sony updater for the recent 2.02 firmware upgrade.  This time the updater requested access in the Input Monitoring section of Privacy settings, which I granted, but again the application failed - so it's back to Apple store in Reading next time I'm in the area.  Has anyone else had a similar problem and/or got a solution?  

[Pascale_F]

Hi globet,

Welcome to the community.

I'll see if I can track down an answer. Maybe someone else in the community has an idea in the meantime.

Thanks,

Pascale

[The_Black_Rose]

Hi Globet,

I think only Apple will be able to advise on this one.

Cheers,
The_Black_Rose

[globet]

Unfortunately I've been told by Sony that their updater software for Macs (and other Sony media software for Macs) in only compatible with OS 10.12 and 10.13), so anyone who's moved up to Mojave (10.14) or Catalina (10.15) can't run the Sony updater on their Mac.  Most Mac users update regularly, so finding a Mac running 10.13 or below isn't easy; 10.14 was rolled out over a year ago.  Sony also tell me they have no plans to update their software to run on the newer OSs.  Frustrating because I'm sure there are plenty of Sony W/M users, especially the high-end models, who also have Macs.

It's a bit short sighted, and not the only instance.  I'd like to get a high-end set set of wired noise cancelling earbuds, but nothing on the market is compatible with Sony's audio controls.  My Bose QC 20i's sound great with the NW-ZX300s, but don't work with its audio controls - but neither would the QC20s for Android devices.  Sony don't have any wired NC headsets.  I do have a set of Sony WI-SP600Ns which also sound good, but their battery life isn't great and the bluetooth also eats into the player battery life.

[The_Black_Rose]

Hi Globet,

I understand your point. I hope Sony will take the feedback about the software's compatibility into consideration.

Cheers,
The_Black_Rose