On Thursday, July 7, Netflix announced that it had enabled Spatial Audio for all its users, not just those using compatible Apple devices.
The activation of the Spatial Audio is done through a special partnership that sees its use Sennheiser AMBEO technology that allows the audio to work on any device or speaker.
Netflix Activates Spatial Audio
According to 9to5Mac, the announcement means that all Netflix users can now enjoy 3D positional audio, not just those using an iPhone 13, Apple TV, or other streaming stick connected to a non-smart TV. Also, users do not have to attach additional speakers.
So long as the content supports Spatial Audio, the feature will work, according to TechRadar.
Netflix stated that users could search its library specifically for content that supports Spatial Audio too. Users won't need to have a specific plan either because Spatial Audio is available across all of the devices.
The feature will also be included in the upcoming Netflix ad-supported tier.
What is Spatial Audio?
Netflix's Spatial Audio feature can help translate the "cinematic experience of immersive audio to any stereo," so the creators can bring their work into the story, and it can happen matter what device you use.
The Spatial Audio feature will roll out across the platform's catalog starting Thursday, July 7. Users can hear it by typing "spatial audio" into the search bar and choosing a show or film that supports it in the search results.
Meanwhile, Apple's own Spatial Audio implementation needs either specific built-in speakers or a pair of headphones, including the AirPods.
The Sennheiser AMBEO implementation removes those requirements, giving users the chance to use Spatial Audio where they might otherwise not be able to.
Netflix's Price Hike
The activation of Spatial Audio came after the streaming platform decided to increase its prices again.
However, the price hike is only applicable to new subscribers in the United States and Canada, but Netflix did confirm that it will gradually increase the prices of its plans across the board for everyone else.
The change took effect on Apr. 17, and subscribers received emails from the streaming platform informing them of the cost of their plans.
Standard plan subscribers would now need to pay $15.49 a month instead of the previous price of $13.99.
Basic plan subscribers will now need to pay $9.99 a month instead of the previous price of $8.99 a month, and Premium plan subscribers will now have to pay $19.99 a month instead of the previous price of $17.99.
The latest Netflix price hike was first announced back in January for subscribers in the United States and Canada. The price increase is due to the sudden decrease in their subscriber count.
Netflix has been increasing its prices since 2016. According to The Verge, the first significant increase in the prices started for Standard plan subscribers.
In 2015, the price for the plan was $10, and in 2016 it increased to $11. As of 2022, it is now $15.49.
Related Article: Apple Spatial Audio Not Working for iPhone XR, iPad Mini 5, iPad 8th Gen and Below, Says Support Document
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Written by Sophie Webster
