If you’re one who bought the latest Pixel Buds Pro, there’s good news for you. Google has just announced that it’s rolling out spatial audio support for Pixel Buds Pro. Yes, you heard that right! Starting Tuesday, Pixel Buds Pro users will receive a firmware update enabling this most-awaited feature on their TWS. This feature is expected to completely roll out to everyone by the end of the next week.
For those who don’t know, Google launched its latest TWS Pixel Buds Pro last year in June, which comes with top-of-the-line features. Now with this latest update, Google is catching up with Apple’s AirPods Pro that, creates a Dolby Atmos-like effect, something like you experience in a movie theater.
Here's how to get started:
— Made by Google (@madebygoogle) March 7, 2023
1️⃣ Connect Pixel Buds Pro
2️⃣ Touch & hold Bluetooth
3️⃣ Tap Pixel Buds Pro
4️⃣ Turn on Head Tracking
🎉 Voila! 360-degree sound that surrounds you.¹
Learn more: https://t.co/SAyUZdh1jf pic.twitter.com/tqELQmSes6
Spatial Audio
In simple words, unlike traditional stereo sounds that come from the left/right of your side, spatial audio lets you experience the 3D sound like it’s coming from all around you, giving you a more immersive sound experience.
With this feature launch, Google promised a theater-like experience while watching movies or TV shows on your device with Pixel Buds Pro. In addition, this new update also brings a new tech called head tracking, where the sound moves along with you as you move your head around.
Supported Apps & Devices
Coming to the supported apps and devices, the spatial audio will only work with the apps that support this feature and have content in 5.1+ surround sound. Well, that’s not a problem, I guess, because platforms like Netflix, HBO Max, and YouTube are officially supported. So, all you need to do is find the content with 5.1+ surround sound on these platforms, and you should be good to go experience this feature.
Now coming to the most important part – the supported devices. The spatial audio is currently limited to Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 7, or Pixel 7 Pro, leaving behind Pixel Buds A-Series or Pixel A-Series phones. So, to experience spatial audio, you should have a supported device, platform, and content.
How to Enable Spatial Sound on Your Pixel Buds Pro
As mentioned above, Google has already started rolling out this feature to the new Pixel Buds Pro and should finish rolling out by the end of the next week. So, Buds Pro users should look for the latest update - firmware version 4.30.
After that, if you own a supported Pixel device, follow the steps:
Step 1: Open the Bluetooth on your Pixel phone.
Step 2: Connect your Pixel Buds Pro.
Step 3: Open the Pixel Buds app and go to Settings > Sound & vibration > Spatial Audio.
Step 4: Enable the Spatial Audio toggle.
Step 5: Now, head to Settings > Connected devices on your phone and select Pixel Buds Pro.
Step 6: Finally, tap the settings icon, select Head Tracking, and enable that feature.
Once you’re done with these settings, you should be ready to take advantage of this feature. Well, if you haven’t received it yet, just hang it a little long and look out for the firmware update in the Pixel Buds app.