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I’m a bit confused. Is it just about making the sound seem to come from the device, or does it produce virtual surround sound for multi channel sources?
 
Will either of these features especially switching be available on MacOS or is this a iOS feature only.
 
My AirPod Pros updated to 3A283, and I am seamlessly switching between my iPad Pro (running 14.0) and my iPhone XS (running 14.0). However, how do you get the Spatial Audio working? Is there something I need to do?
 
I’m a bit confused. Is it just about making the sound seem to come from the device, or does it produce virtual surround sound for multi channel sources?
There's definitely a more immersive experience with Spacial Audio turned on, so you get more benefits than just the sound direction. There's more detail, a richer experience and stronger directional cues. It's pretty hard to explain but pretty fun to experience. One of the best "Apple-y" features! Really well done IMO.
 
I thought spatial audio was supposed to simulate surround sound? Why would I want the sound to appear like it’s originating from the phone?

I think that the idea is that it fixes the surround sound stage with reference to your device - for example, if there's a dialogue track coming from a character on the screen and you turn your head to the left, the speech will sound like it's still coming from your phone (now to your right). However, if there's a surround sound effect that's playing to your left (i.e. 100% in your left ear) and you turn your head left to face it, the effect will now sound like it's coming from directly in front of you.
 
I don't understand this either - have been googling all morning - why emulate sound coming from the screen?!?!?!

As I understand, there are two goals here:

1. With this update, Apple now has the ability to process surround content (ie. Atmos) into a binaural stereo mix, aka 3D audio (something some Android phones have had out for a while now, according to the Dolby website).

2. To be able to have the sound seemingly "stick" to the device screen may at first seem a little gimmicky, that is until we remember how much effort Apple is putting into AR. I believe this "spatial audio" feature is actually one of many steps Apple is taking towards their rumored future VR product(s).

Anyway, looking forward to testing this out. ;)
 
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Not seeing it on my 11 Pro running iOS 14 beta. How can you tell what firmware your AirPods Pro are running?
 
Not seeing it on my 11 Pro running iOS 14 beta. How can you tell what firmware your AirPods Pro are running?

Connect airpods to phone -- Settings --> General --> About ---> scroll down to airpods and open (on iPhone).
 
I can’t get this to work - maybe it’s because I’m on 13.7? AirPods not showing up. Will keep on researching.

The only way it shows up for me is if I actually connect my airpods to my phone - (either via bluetooth or listening to music).

I'll upload a pic here in a minute.

55490CC7-FCF9-4AFF-BF76-DB46CA9CC931.jpeg

I named my airpods so they may show a different name than others.
 
Just updated my AirPods Pro and played the Greyhound trailer on my iPhone. The spatial audio is incredible - The voices sound like they’re coming directly from the phone and the background noise is mostly present in both ears.
 
MM as an audio guy I find the spatial audio a little disconcerting. Clearly a Haas effect with delay set to 15ms approx with added filtering and M/S modulation. As an audio pro it feels like a cheap trick. Interesting to get everyones thoughts.
 
It is pretty rad. Seems to work on all Apple+ and iTunes content. No on Netflix so I'm guessing streaming services will need to be updated to pass along surround info.

It doesn't really sound like its coming from the screen per se. It just seems to come from where the sounds should be coming from in relation to the screen and what's happening. It def depends on how the audio was mixed. Some content has a clearer separation. Other things seem heavily balanced to the center channel (AKA the screen) and the clearest effect is when you turn your head.

It is certainly an improvement overall.
 
How is auto switching meant to activate, it isn’t switching here while using between devices, or do they have to be put back in case?
 
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