Apple developed its spatial audio feature in an effort to create a surround sound effect from just two audio sources—one in your left ear and one in your right. The company describes it as “cinema-like sound that surrounds you from the film or video you’re watching” via your own headphones. And it’s quite clever too, able to recognize where your head is and where your mobile device is in 3D space, adjusting both the sound effects and the voice dialog of whatever you’re watching accordingly. Of course, a pair of earbuds or headphones can’t compete with a full-blown surround sound speaker system, but you might be surprised at just how well they can use tricks like delays and volume adjustments to give the impression of sounds that are all around you.

Article Link – https://www.popsci.com/story/diy/ios-spatial-audio/

Discussion Questions:

1. Identify three key takeaways from the article. What did you find most interesting?
2. If you own (or would like to own) Apple AirPods, will you try and use this hack?
3. Do you think AirPods are worth the money? Why or why not?

Source: David Nield, “www.popsci.com”, February 1, 2021.