Spatial audio is n't as widespread as many would like, but it's true that when you can take advantage of this technology while watching TV shows, movies, or playing video games, the experience is completely transformed. If you have AirPods Pro or AirPods Max, you'll want to know how to activate it and where you can try this unique way of enjoying certain content.
What is spatial audio
Spatial audio and 360 audio are different names for the same technology, which is gradually being implemented in more devices and whose sole purpose is to offer a much more immersive sound experience than many have known until now. So much so that when you try it for the first time, it's impossible not to be amazed.
Also, the interesting thing is that it is not something exclusive to a manufacturer but that anyone could implement this in their products. All you would have to do is meet a few minimum requirements to be able to offer this new surround sound system that always keeps you at the center of the experience.
How it does this is very simple to explain. Through a series of algorithms and integrated sensors such as gyroscopes and accelerometers, devices offering this technology are able to detect the user's location at all times . This allows them to adapt the playback of different frequencies and objects (instruments, voices, etc.) to the user's position.
In other words, if you turn around while you are playing content, the sound will be heard as coming from behind you. In this way, there is a greater awareness of where each sound is being emitted from.
Contents compatible with spatial audio
You're probably wondering where you can try out spatial audio, right? Well, before you go crazy looking for it, you should know that the first requirement is that the content has been mixed in 5.1, 7.1, or Dolby Atmos. If this is the case, and the platform you're playing it on supports this technology, then you can try it and enjoy a truly remarkable experience.
Currently, platforms like Disney Plus and Apple TV Plus support spatial audio . However, there are two other factors to consider: the device you play the content on and the device you listen to it on. This brings us to the next point: right now, AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro Max, along with some iPhone and iPad models, are the easiest way to enjoy this experience.
How to listen to spatial audio on AirPods Pro and Max
If you have one of Apple's latest headphones, the AirPods Pro or Max, you can try this. The only catch is that you'll also need a compatible iPhone or iPad. Here's what you need :
- AirPods Pro or AirPods By Max
- iPhone 7 or higher
- 12,9-inch iPad Pro 11rd generation or later, XNUMX-inch iPad Pro, iPad Air XNUMXrd generation or later, iPad XNUMXth generation or later, or XNUMXth generation iPad mini
- All models above must be updated to iOS 14 or iPadOS 14
If you comply with this and have access to any of the services with compatible content, such as Apple TV Plus or Disney Plus, the next thing is to know how to activate this option when you are playing audio with your headphones on.
To do this, once your headphones are connected to your device, go to Settings > Configuration > Bluetooth and tap the "i" (information) icon. On that new screen, simply activate the spatial audio option.
Now, when playing compatible content, you can press and hold the on-screen volume control from the control center . Three options will appear, showing whether spatial audio is enabled but not active, enabled, or disabled. Tap the one you want, and you're all set.
Although it may be somewhat anecdotal at the moment because there is not much compatible content or services, if you have the option of using it you should know how to do it. Because on certain occasions we already tell you that experience changes so much that you have to try it yes or yes.