According to the latest android 13 Android Release Notes could finally get native spatial audio with head-tracking technology, a feature that’s made for iPhone’s and other Apple devices has been available since 2020. And Google itself already has Spatial audio promised for 2022.
TL;RD
- Android 13 will bring spatial audio with head tracking.
- iPhones and Apple devices have offered the feature since 2020.
- Spatial Audio requires the latest version of the operating system and compatible headphones.
Google will only officially unveil Android 13 at I/O in May, but some features have already been confirmed or at least rumored. Esper’s Android experts have now discovered additional APIs in the Android 13 audio framework, including latency and ultrasonic mode features.
On a technical level, there are few details. It is important, however, that spatial audio is apparently built into the Android 13 audio framework, and therefore head tracking over Bluetooth could be supported on all Android smartphones from version 13 onwards. the future. Apple already has the feature on iPhones, ipads and even in the range of MacBooks.
In the future, high-quality in-ear headphones could support 3D or spatial audio. / © NextPit
What is 3D or spatial audio?
Spatial audio is not a new technology per se. It is an enhanced 360-degree surround sound feature for headphones when paired with compatible devices. Unlike Dolby Atmos and Sony’s 3D audio features in select headsets and game consoles, spatial audio is more of an effect that includes the position of, or change in, the user’s head. Head tracking technology provides an additional experience by detecting the orientation of the user’s head and adapting the virtual position of sound sources in games, movies or even music to the movement of the user’s head.
The only requirement, aside from a compatible smartphone or tablet, is a 3D audio-capable headset and, of course, suitable content. The majority streaming services already support this feature.
What devices will support spatial audio?
With Apple’s implementation, we’ve seen older devices starting with the iPhone 7 series support spatial audio. A wide range of Android smartphones and devices are expected to support Spatial Audio as long as they are running the latest Android 13 operating system. However, this is up to Google, OEMs and their Android update schedules far. Android 13 will be released this fall, and it will likely take until early next year before it’s widely available on Android devices.
Are you waiting for spatial audio? Or are you already using it? Tell us in the comments!
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