If you want to Enable Spatial Audio on Pixel Devices, which in Dutch is called “spatial audio,” is a type of surround sound in which sounds seem to come from all around you. But many wireless earbuds and headphones only let you hear sound from the right and left channels, which is called stereo sound.
You need a phone that can handle spatial audio in order to use it. Your earbuds or headphones must also be able to handle them, and the sound you play must be the right one. Have you recently bought a Google Pixel smartphone? Then you’re in luck, because the January update added support for Spatial Audio. So do you have a Pixel 6, 6 Pro, Google Pixel 7 or a Pixel 7 Pro? Then grab it.
How to Enable Spatial Audio on Pixel Phone
- Go to Settings > System > System update and update your Pixel phone to the latest version.
- Open the Settings app and tap the Sound & Vibration option.
- Tap Spatial Audio and turn on Wired headphones on the Sound & Vibration settings page.
- Tap the Connect device settings option to turn on Spatial Audio for Bluetooth or wireless devices.
- On the next page, next to the device you connected, tap the gear icon and turn on Spatial audio.
How to Enable Spatial Audio on Pixel Buds
- Head to the settings.
- Tap Connected devices.
- Hit the settings cog next to the Pixel Buds Pro.
- Find and tap Head tracking.
- Toggle it on.
Which apps use Spatial Audio?
- YouTube
- Google TV
- Netflix
- HBO Max
- Disney Plus
What is spatial audio?
Spatial Audio uses 3D technology to make sounds come from almost anywhere around the listener. How does Spatial Audio actually work? Sound engineers use directional audio filters and changes to the frequencies that each ear hears to make it seem like different sounds are coming from the left, right, below, or above.
How does spatial audio work?
Before spatial audio, surround sound was encoded so that sounds were sent to specific speakers. Most of the time, voices came from the center speaker, and background music and effects came from the rear speakers. Spatial audio doesn’t send sounds to specific speakers.
Instead, it puts them in space. For example, an effect could be above and to the right of the center. Your system figures out how to make it sound like the sound is coming from that spot based on how many speakers you have and where they are placed. Spatial audio also adds height, which makes it possible to make a dome of sound. You can hear a helicopter take off and fly over your head, or you can feel a bullet go by.
FAQs
Before we begin, it is worth noting that Spatial audio is available on the latest Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series via all compatible earbuds and worked headphones that connect via USB-C. For the best audio experience, we recommend using the company’s Pixel Buds Pro.Mar 21, 2023
Spatial Audio on the AirPods only works when connected to compatible devices. These include iPhones, iPads, and Macs. So, if you’re using your AirPods with an Android device or a Windows machine, you will not be able to enjoy the dynamic spatial audio experience.
