Netflix is finally rolling out Spatial Audio support for iPhone and iPad users

Date:
Thu, 19 Aug 2021 09:35:36 +0000

Description:
Netflix has begun rolling out Apples Spatial Audio feature for iOS users.

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Its been a long time coming, but Netflix has finally begun rolling out
support for Apples Spatial Audio technology on the streamers iOS app.

That means users watching on iPhone or iPad with either the AirPods Pro or AirPods Max can now benefit from immersive 3D surround sound, which works by recalibrating audio based on your head position.

Before being officially confirmed by Netflix, the feature was first spotted
by Reddit users, and is now slowly appearing on Netflix apps worldwide
though youll need an iPhone 7 or later (or a recent iPad) with iOS 14 for Spatial Audio to become available on your device. The best Netflix shows you can watch today Everything we know about the Apple AirPods 3 How to set up
the best home cinema system

When it does become available, youll be able to toggle Spatial Audio via your devices Control Center. Its also worth ensuring your Netflix app is updated
to the latest available version.

The move comes after Netflix confirmed in February that it was neither
testing Spatial Audio support nor had any plans to do so in the near future. At the time, the streamer was only testing multi-channel support for built-in speakers.

Those official assertions didnt quite line up with rumors wed heard, though, one of which suggested Netflix had been testing the feature since December 2020.

Still, were happy to see that Spatial Audio has finally arrived on Netflix
for iOS, bringing the streamer in line with rival platforms already offering the feature including Disney Plus , HBO Max , and (unsurprisingly) Apple TV Plus . Analysis: Bringing surround sound to the sofa

Netflix already supports Dolby Atmos which, of course, extends to far more devices than the Apple-specific Spatial Audio, but it makes sense for the streamer to finally offer the tech to AirPods Pro and Max users who want to make the most of their headphones or true wireless earbuds . The Apple
AirPods Max (pictured) and AirPods Pro work with the company's Spatial Audio tech (Image credit: Apple)

That doesnt mean both audio options are identical, though. Like Dolby Atmos, Apples Spatial Audio tech applies directional audio filters to 5.1 and 7.1 content, placing sound in a 3D sphere to generate the illusion of surround sound. However, Spatial Audio takes this one step further by using the built-in accelerometers and gyroscopes inside Apples earbuds and headphones
to track the position of the users head in relation to their iPhone or iPad.

Essentially, then, when you watch films on an iOS device, the sound will always be placed correctly based on the action on-screen turning your head
or shifting the position of your device wont interrupt the immersive feel of the audio.

Of course, Spatial Audio isnt going to rival the sound you get from a real cinema, but its great that Netflix has finally given some Apple users the option to enhance their home viewing experience. Everything we know about Spotify Hi-fi



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/netflix-is-finally-rolling-out-spatial-audio-su pport-for-iphone-and-ipad-users/


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