A recently granted Apple patent reveals that the Cupertino tech juggernaut is possibly exploring innovative ways to make digital audio become more realistic. The newly granted patent also underlines Apple's effort for its augmented reality products. Additionally, the patent could be crucial for the company considering that augmented reality is anticipated to play a major role in its product line.
The Cupertino tech company was granted a patent detailing the technology that could divide an audio signal into several paths. Through this, listeners will have the impression that the sound is coming from various areas rather than straight from the loudspeaker. The technology stated in the patent could also be significant for more immersive entertainment.
"Audio signal processing for virtual acoustics can greatly enhance a movie, a sports event, a video game or other screen viewing experience, adding to the feeling of 'being there," states the document. The patent also comes with several examples of how the application of the technology. One of the scenarios outlined in the patent's description reveals how the system could be utilized to make it appear like audio coming from a laptop could be moved to the foreground, so it sounds like it comes from a father source.
This is not the first time that an Apple patent new audio technology. In November, the Cupertino company was granted a patent for headphones that allows phone calls to feel more natural. The patent aims to digitally place the voices of the callers in the room around the receiver. It is worth mentioning that technologies revealed in patents do not always end up as new products.
Additionally, patents along are not in any way an indication that the Cupertino company is working on a certain product. However, when taken together, it suggests that Apple is at least looking into better technologies to give consumers a more immersive experience from its products. It is interesting that the use cases in the patent appear to be the center of how this technology could one day be used in the company's premium laptops.
It is no longer surprising to see Apple invest in new resources in audio technology for its MacBooks. Last year, the 16-inch MacBook Pro suffered some audio issues, which prompted Apple to roll out a fix. Considering that one of the main features that distinguish new generation MacBook Pros from its predecessors is improved audio quality, it makes sense that the company could be thinking about new technologies to further the audio quality of its future MacBook Pros.
