Google adds ‘spatial audio’ option to Cardboard SDK VR glasses

Google has added a “spatial audio” option to the SDK for Cardboard, the system for virtual reality glasses. The SDK makes it possible for developers to simulate that sounds come from a certain side when using VR glasses.

The audio comes while using Cardboard-compatible VR glasses through regular headphones, Google says. The effect of having a sound come from the right is created by the software by letting the sound come into one ear a little earlier and one ear a little more high tones.

There are also options to adjust the sound to the virtual space where the user is in the app. For example, a conversation in a spaceship can sound different than in a cave, claims the search giant. More information about the addition to the SDK can be found in the documentation on the Cardboard SDK site. It is unknown which apps will support the feature.

There are now many cheap VR glasses that are compatible with Cardboard. In addition to the models that Google itself has handed out at its own developer conference, there are now many different variants on the market. Google itself has fourteen on its own site.