July 8, 2022, 11:18 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Netflix has introduced a new audio feature that aims to deliver more cinematic sound without additional hardware. The streaming provider is collaborating with Sennheiser on this.
The new audio technology Netflix is using is called “Spatial Audio.” Apple users might already be familiar with it–since August 2021, Spatial Audio has been available on iPhones and iPads with iOS 15.1 and higher, as well as for AirPods. Spatial Audio, also known as 3D audio, captures the user’s head movements and adjusts the sound output accordingly. The result is a cinema-like surround sound that seems to come from all directions, immersing the listener in the action. Netflix has been working for some time to integrate Spatial Audio into its app.
Netflix has now expanded the reach of this new audio technology so that users without an iPhone can also benefit. Thanks to Sennheiser Ambeo, Spatial Audio is now available on all devices for Netflix. A surround system is not required. Simple stereo speakers on the system or TV are sufficient to activate the cinema-like 3D sound. Netflix advises users without surround sound speakers to set their device to stereo audio. Otherwise, the 3D sound will be deactivated by the 5.1 audio output often preset on TVs.
Spatial Audio to be available for Netflix’s entire catalog
According to Netflix, the 3D spatial sound through Spatial Audio is intended to be available for the entire catalog. However, it is not yet fully implemented, as the streaming provider has just begun expanding its availability. Initial titles where Spatial Audio can already be tested include popular series like “The Witcher” and the fourth season of “Stranger Things.” Users can search for “Spatial Audio” or “3D Audio” to display all compatible series and films in the Netflix library.
“Netflix Spatial Audio helps bring the cinematic experience of immersive audio to any stereo system, so the work filmmakers do to draw you into the story is independent of the device you use to watch Netflix,” describes the streaming service of the new audio technology.
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Using Spatial Audio with the iPhone
To use Spatial Audio when streaming Netflix on an iPhone, you need at least an iPhone 7 and an iPad from 2018 or newer. Additionally, the new audio experience only works with AirPods Pro, third-generation AirPods, or AirPods Max. The Beats Fit Pro also now support the audio technology. Only these headphones have the necessary sensors to track head movement in real-time and enable the spatial listening experience. The streaming quality should be set to “High” or “Auto” only.
Read also: Activate 3D Audio for AirPods on the iPhone
Netflix users can activate the feature during playback in the control center. With a long press, the volume control for AirPods Pro and AirPods Max can be expanded, and the corresponding field for Spatial Audio can be displayed.