AirPods Pro spatial audio is here and it's awesome — how to try it

AirPods Pro spatial audio is here and it's crawly — how to effort it

(Image credit: Future)

I recently institute out that the AirPods Pro spatial audio feature was finally available for testing, and I immediately got giddy. Commencement announced at WWDC 2020, this characteristic presents your audio as three-dimensional, and equally your caput and AirPods Pro move, the sound of your shows move also.

When I tested AirPods Pro spatial audio out with an episode of the Apple Tv Plus testify Ted Lasso on my iPhone (spatial audio requires 5.1, 7.1 or Dolby Atmos audio content, then I couldn't just throw on any song), it was both weird and absurd.

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I put my iPhone downwards on the table in my living room, and as I walked effectually the phone, information technology sounded as if I was moving around the testify, with the dulcet tones of Jason Sudeikis staying in place.

But across this absurd feeling, I've got hopes that Apple tree has plans for how its new spatial audio pull a fast one on is to be used. Hopefully, we can get more than immersive experiences, that can bring people into the globe of Encounter, where hearing is of paramount importance.

The only annoying parts about spatial audio are how to get it. Right now, you lot'll want to download the iOS 14 public beta , iPadOS public beta or macOS Big Sur public beta in order to endeavour it. In one case Apple releases the finished versions of those major updates this fall, you should go spatial audio back up that fashion.

Except that's not all. You lot'll also need to update the firmware of your AirPods to version 3A283, which isn't something you tin can simply manually do. This happened for me last nighttime without doing annihilation special, simply for some other times it required a fiddling work.

The way to endeavor and "force" it is to have your AirPods Pro case charging with the AirPods inside, and open the lid of the case. Then, put i of your Apple devices near it. Lastly, wait. Information technology should download soon.

How to get AirPods Pro spatial sound:

Have the device you desire to use running 1 of Apple's 2020 public betas, and make sure information technology's up to engagement (Settings > General > Software Update for iPhones and iPads, and System Preferences > Software Update on Macs).
Get the spatial audio-enabling firmware v. 3A283 onto your AirPods Pro (see in a higher place).
Pull downwards from the top right corner of your iPhone or iPad to open up Command Center.
With AirPods Pro connected, long printing on the volume switch.
Make sure Spatial Sound is turned on. If you don't run into a Spatial Audio push button, you don't have firmware v. 3A283 yet.
Watch something with five.one, seven.one and Dolby Atmos sound support.

How to check AirPods firmware

Open the Settings app.
Select Full general.
Select Bluetooth.
Pair the ‌AirPods‌ or ‌AirPods Pro‌ to your iOS or iPadOS device.
Tap the i next to your AirPods.
Look at the number next to Firmware Version.

If your AirPods Pro firmware isn't 3A283, you'll want to go through the procedure of enabling their update. Equally mentioned above, pair your AirPods with your iPhone, brand sure the AirPods are in their instance, and that the instance is charging. So, leave the lid open up with the AirPods inside, and await.

Information technology'southward annoying, but that's the fashion I've made it work in the past. And one time you hear information technology for yourself, it'll exist worth it.

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Henry is a senior editor at Tom'due south Guide roofing streaming media, laptops and all things Apple, reviewing devices and services for the past six-plus years. Prior to joining Tom'southward Guide, he reviewed software and hardware for TechRadar Pro, and interviewed artists for Patek Philippe International Magazine. He's also covered the wild world of professional wrestling for Cageside Seats, interviewing athletes and other industry veterans.