With the launch of AR Kit, Apple showed us how dedicated it was regarding augmented reality on iPhones and iPads. But according to a new patent filed by the Cupertino giant, Apple might be working on bringing AR/VR experiences to MacBooks too.
The patent, spotted by Patently Apple, describes how Apple aims to user MacBook’s built-in speakers to virtually position audio for better, more immersive experiences.
A virtual acoustic system is one that gives the user the illusion that sound is emanating from elsewhere in an indoor or outdoor space than directly from a loudspeaker (e.g., one that is placed in a room, one that is built into a laptop computer, etc). Audio signal processing for virtual acoustics can greatly enhance a movie, a sports event, a videogame or other screen viewing experience, adding to the feeling of “being there”, notes Apple in its patent background.
The method making this work is crosstalk cancellation that was invented to allow binaural recordings to playback over speakers. Crosstalk cancellation takes a little of the left signal and feeds it to the right speaker with the right delay to have it combine with the actual right speaker signal and cancel the part that goes to the left ear. This allows audio to be placed using speakers only.
Using AR on MacBooks will require a camera at the back or, more practically, a more sophisticated front camera. But as far as creating a virtual environment is concerned, the MacBook’s ability of virtually positioning audio will definitely give it an edge.
Recently, Apple patented a similar technology that allows users to hear where people are physically located in a room via special headphone technology.
Since these are patents, it’s difficult to say when or even whether it’ll make it end consumers. But if it does, it’ll surely make consuming content on your laptop more immersive. Imagine, catching a live match of cricket on your laptop that almost makes you feel like you’re a part of the crowd at the stadium!
