Spatial audio on Pixel phones and Pixel Buds Pro won’t launch until January, but Google today detailed how it works and which Android apps are supported.
Movies are the intended use of spatial audio on Pixel phones to provide an “immersive effect.” It’s supported on the Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 7 and 7 Pro, but it’s not clear if another update (January) is needed or if everything is already there with the QPR1 December patch. That said, the aforementioned menu doesn’t show up yet after updating (compared to during the beta period):
- Open your phone’s Settings app.
- Tap Sound and vibration > Spatial audio.
- Turn on spatial audio.
Google says, “You can use Spatial Audio on your Pixel phone with movies from Netflix, YouTube, Google TV, and HBOMax with 5.1 or higher audio tracks. You must wear headphones or earbuds.”
Meanwhile, Pixel Buds Pro owners can enable “head-tracked Spatial Audio.” This presumably requires new firmware:
- Open your phone’s Settings app.
- Tap Connected devices > Pixel Buds Pro > Settings > Head tracking.
- Enable head tracking.
Meanwhile, Google has the following tips:
- Use content marked as Dolby audio, 5.1, or Dolby Atmos.
- Hold your phone steady or place it on a stable surface or stand.
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