[Editoriale] Microsoft patents new wearable spatial audio devices

Microsoft seems to be interested in spacialized and wearable audio, i.e. devices that are able to create widespread sound without resorting to external speakers or headphones. A device of this type is, for example, the Sony Bravia Theater U, which can be viewed in the following video. In practice, it is a sort of collar, capable of diffusing spacialized and even surround sound without direct contact with the ears. This, of course, also allows you to enjoy the sound or surround without necessarily disturbing others, since the sound is spread close to the listener's head and not throughout the room. In few words, it is a frightening Columbus's Egg!

Now, it is not surprising that even a giant like Microsoft seems to be interested in these devices, as can be seen from a recently released patent: Patent nr. 20240276170, filed on 15 August 2024, is in fact titled “Environmental condition based spacial audio presentation”. The wearable spacial audio device includes one or more audio speakers, one or more processors and a component containing instructions which are executable by one or more processors. Data is obtained for a real-world environment that includes one or more dynamic audio objects. The device-specific spatialized audio mix is adjusted based on changing environmental conditions. Let's see what this blurb means.

Microsoft's patent illustrates a schematic representation of a usage environment for a spacialized audio system with wearable devices, i.e. #116 and #118 in the photo above. According to Microsoft, different users may want to watch two different movies at the same time, or the same one but in two different languages. The system makes this type of diversified use possible. Not only that, but the system may change the audio played based on the video stream. For example, if a user is watching footage of a live concert, the drums volume could be increased if the drummer is shown at that moment in the video (pretty odd and useless option, in my opinion). The new device will work even with Microsoft gaming platforms, with TVs, notebooks, tablets, HMDs, desktops and more.

Certainly this type of device will cause serious troubles to both traditional surround systems, headphones and traditional stereo systems. If you can listen without disturbing your neighbours or those next to you, and without wearing uncomfortable headphones, with audio that also adapts to environmental conditions if desired, it is clear that any traditional system, at least for the majority of users, becomes superfluous. We are at the first steps of this new technology, but the roadmap is ready, no doubt about this. Few of us will resist, with our bulky speakers, with headphones that make our ears sweat and with neighbours who look at us askance for the annoying noises we produce. C'mon feel the noise...no more!

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September 2024 Editorial

Microsoft is venturing into the field of "wearable" audio. Is this the end of an era?