Staying abreast of trends in audio technology is something that we at KARE try to stay on top of and use this information to help educate and inform our audience.
Recently, Apple has introduced spatial audio to its users. Spatial audio is a format that will allow users to listen to selected tracks with a surround sound and 3D audio effects via iPhones, iPads, AirPods and HomePods.
Spatial audio works with the gyroscope and sensors that are equipped in the headphones and other listening devices. What it does is that it creates spatial awareness on the device you might be listening to music on.
The distinguishable difference between spatial audio and our everyday-use stereo mixes is that spatial audio simulates audio channels behind and along each side of the listeners engulfing them in a 360 degree experience. The earliest forms of spatial audio were incorporated in films.
With this technology not only did the level of immersion increase at the movie theater, but it also gave sound engineers the freedom to be more creative and experimental on the projects.
As spatial audio technology advances and consumers begin to steer away from home theater systems, different forms of entertainment began to implement surround sound for a greater experience.
Now that Apple has tackled this format for its own customer base, what will be next step in the evolution of audio technology? Whatever that is and whenever it becomes available to the public, we will keep you informed.