Google may bring spatial audio to Chromebooks later this year
What's the story
Google is reportedly planning to introduce spatial audio to its Chromebook devices. This feature, already available on Android smartphones, aims at enhancing the audio quality of stereo headphones, by adding depth and creating an effect similar to surround sound. The integration of spatial audio into Chromebooks is part of Google's ongoing efforts to improve the entertainment options available on these devices.
User experience
Feature's impact and accessibility
The impact of spatial audio is particularly noticeable when used with head tracking, adjusting the sound based on the user's direction of gaze. This new feature will initially be accessible on Chromebooks through an option in chrome://flags. Once enabled, a new option "#SHOW-SPATIAL-AUDIO-TOGGLE" will appear on the Audio page of the Settings app. The introduction of spatial audio is expected to significantly enhance user experience on Chromebooks.
Tech details
Development and anticipated functionality
The feature is still under development and isn't available even in the latest ChromeOS Canary. The specifics of how spatial audio will function on Chromebooks are not fully known at this stage. Based on its operation on Android devices, it's anticipated that it'll work with both Bluetooth and wired audio wearables, to simulate more depth. It might also offer head tracking. Google does not expect spatial audio to be available for Chromebooks until later this year at the earliest.