It looks like Google could be looking to add spatial audio to the next version of its Pixel Buds wireless earbuds.
Protocol uncovered a recent U.S. Patent and Trademark Office filing that reveals Google purchased Dysonics and its intellectual property back in December. Dysonics is known for working in the spatial audio industry, so this could indicate that Google plans to add the feature to new Pixel Buds.
Apple’s AirPods Pro and AirPods Max feature surround sound spatial audio when connected to an iPhone 7 or newer smartphone that changes the direction of sound depending on the device’s placement.
Protocol says a software engineer that works at Dysonics also recently updated their Linkedin profile to indicate they’re now working “on a team that builds audio algorithms for a variety of Google’s hardware products.”
It’s also possible that Google could be planning to implement some spatial technology in a new Nest smart speaker or, less likely, a mixed reality headset.
Last week rumours appeared indicating Google is working on new Pixel Buds that are cheaper than the current Pixel Buds (2020) but that offer the same design and functionality.
Update 06/04/2021 6:07pm ET: Google has accidentally sent out an email to users that are part of a Nest mailing list that includes an image of a pair of Pixel Buds in a forest green colour instead of the current ‘Clearly White,’ ‘Quite Mint’ and ‘Almost Black.’
Source: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Via: Protocol
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