New Android 13 QPR1 options set the stage for spatial audio support
Last week, Google rolled out thefirst Android 13 QPR1 betafor supported Pixel phones. Among the many changes we’ve learned about so far, we’ve seen a few audio-related improvements, and now Google seems to be laying the groundwork for newPixel Budsfeatures. The QPR beta introduces a new spatial audio toggle for headphones, but plenty of questions about its ultimate implementation remain.
Apple popularized its own spatial feature with the AirPods Pro, and Google recently confirmed it will enable a similar implementation for thePixel Buds Provia a software update. Google’sSpatializer APIsarrives to create the necessary framework for spatial audio in Android 13, and9to5Googlereports that the QPR beta sports a new spatial audio toggle under sound & vibration settings for every headphone — not just for the Pixel Buds Pro. Surprisingly, the toggle is also present for wired headphones.
So far, the spatial audio toggle for wired earphones only seems to be popping up with thePixel 6series — even though those phones don’t have analog headphone jacks. Turning spatial audio on doesn’t seem to actually do much of anything right now, with no noticeable impact on the audio stream when enabled.
SinceGoogle’s Dysonics acquisition in 2021, Android enthusiasts have been looking forward to spatial audio support on their devices, and the arrival of these new toggles suggests we won’t need to wait much longer. However, Google hasn’t committed to a timeline and exactly how this all will work when it finally arrives still remains to be seen.
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