After Google dropped a ton of updates for most of its Pixel phones, it would seem like it is on a roll with great updates this holiday season. That being said, Spatial Audio was not among the new arrivals and it’s likely that we won’t get it until next year.
Spatial Audio is targeting users who are in the habit of watching films on their smartphones. The function is intended to increase immersion via providing a cinema-like audio experience for Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 7 and 7 Pro phones and the Pixel Buds Pro.
That being said, Google has shared some details, as reported by 9to5 Google. The info is primarily aimed at shedding some light on what apps will be able to utilize the feature, which is set for a release in January.
From the report, it can be inferred that apps and platforms such as Netflix, YouTube, Google TV, and HBOMax will support the feature. In general, media content which has been mastered for 5.1 or higher audio separation, should work great with it too.
As of now, only the last two series of Pixel flagships are planned to get Spatial Audio.
As long as you own the Pixel Buds Pro and are about to watch a film with audio capabilities like the ones described above, then you can also use Head Tracked Spatial Audio. The feature will make you feel as if the film’s soundscape is coming from actual sound sources in the physical space around you, as if in a movie theater.
However, in order to get the best results with head-tracked Spatial Audio, you must ensure that your Pixel is in a stable position, which will allow the Buds Pro to properly adjust soundstaging as you move your head around.
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All in all, the feature is headed to the Pixel 6, 7 and their Pro counterparts, and Google’s Buds Pro. If you are using a Pixel phone, you will get static Spatial Audio with any set of earbuds or headphones. If you are looking to use head tracking too, you’ll need the Pixel Buds Pro, which will be able to provide it to any Android smartphone.
As of now, there is no info on phones from the Pixel a-series or regular Pixel buds getting Spatial Audio. However, with the feature being set for roll out during January of 2023, we will likely get info about non-priority devices after Spatial Audio has released.
Stan, also known as Stako, is a smartphone enthusiast who loves exploring the limits of Android customization. His journey with mobile tech began with the Nokia 5110 and evolved with devices like the BlackBerry 9350 Curve and Samsung Galaxy A4. Despite his love for Android, he holds equal respect for Apple, considering the iPhone 4s as a significant milestone in mobile tech. Stan started his writing career early, contributing to MetalWorld, and harbors a passion for creative writing. Beyond smartphones, he's interested in photography, design, composition, and gaming, often preferring solo projects to hone his objective thinking. He's also an avid student of open-source technology and consoles, with a special fondness for the Pebble Watch, Arduboy, and Playdate.
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