Spatial Audio, popularly known as virtual surround sound, refers to a group of sound effects that manipulate the sound produced by speakers or headphones. In simpler terms, it makes it possible to perceive sound all around you without the need for any specific multiple-speaker setup. If we talk about its support in the Android ecosystem, then Google has finally added its support in the thirteenth iteration of the AOSP build.
However, this does not mean that this feature will be implemented across every device. It is completely up to the respective OEMs [OnePlus, Xiaomi, Samsung, etc] whether or not they wish to incorporate these features onto their device. If we specifically talk about the Spatial Audio feature in the devices from the South Korean giant, so which side of the fence are we on? Let’s find out.
Does Samsung Support Spatial Audio for non-Samsung Headphones?
No, Samsung does not support Spatial Audio for non-Samsung wireless headphones. Even though they have incorporated this feature onto their OS, but it is only supported for its own headphones. So while you could enjoy it on a Galalxy Buds, but the same cannot be said for the Sony XM5. The reason for the same is quite simple- they want you to remain confined within their own ecosystem.
While they already have a stronghold in the smartphone domain but they are yet to reach the same in the headphone segment, thereby they are forcing users to get their hands on the Galaxy earbuds if they wish to get an immersive audio experience.
Moreover, the OEM very well knows that the proportion of users who would end up selling their Samsung devices just because it doesn’t support Spatial Audio on non-Samsung headphones is quite small, hence they are making full use of this monopolistic power to encapsulate the users within its own walled gardens. And from the business point of view that completely makes sense [after all, the user’s requirements could take a back seat, right Samsung ?]
On that note, we round off this post. We would love to hear your views on this forceful decision-making from Samsung. Do share your valuable opinions with us in the comments section below.
