Samsung's Recent Update for the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro Introduces 360-Degree Surround Sound Recording Capability
Samsung has revealed upcoming software improvements for the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and Galaxy Watch. The audio update introduces a novel recording functionality to Samsung's earbuds, while the Galaxy Watch update expands its capabilities as a smartphone camera remote.
Immersive Surround Sound Recording
The new 360 Audio Recording feature on the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro can record lifelike audio through each earbud during video recording, without the need for a complex microphone setup. Samsung asserts that it can differentiate between diverse environments, such as a bustling arena or a forest. When you replay the audio, you'll experience it in surround sound, much like how it would have sounded to your ears when initially recorded.
Samsung attributes this capability to "leveraging" LE audio. Exploring the specifications further (link opens PDF), you'll find that Bluetooth LE incorporates individual microphone control capabilities, enabling software engineers to finetune which microphones capture sounds. However, this feature is currently exclusive to Samsung devices and only the latest models.
The 360 Audio Recording is compatible with the Galaxy Z Flip 4, Z Fold 4, and forthcoming Galaxy smartphones. To use it, make sure your device is running One UI 5.0 or later. The feature is now available for download.
Advanced Watch Functions
As an avid user of the Wear OS-based Galaxy Watch 4, I've found the ability to remotely capture selfies incredibly useful, specifically with the Google Pixel 7, my current Android phone of choice. However, I've yearned for more controls beyond switching between the front and rear cameras.
The upcoming update from Samsung adds zoom functionality to the camera controller for Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 5 users. You can now zoom in on your smartphone's camera by pinching the watch screen or using the rotating bezel, if available. This camera controller feature will be available for Galaxy Watch 5, Watch 5 Pro, Watch 4, and Watch 4 Classic users starting next month.
The advancements in technology and 'tech' are evident in Samsung's plans for the future, as they intend to incorporate a zoom feature in the smartphone camera remote for the Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 5. This will allow users to adjust the zoom on their smartphone camera directly from their watch, providing a more seamless photo-taking experience.
Additionally, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro's upcoming software update introduces '360 Audio Recording', a feature that utilizes LE audio to create lifelike surround sound during video recording. This technology demonstrates Samsung's commitment to pushing the boundaries of what 'future' audio technology can achieve.