Apple has been granted a patent (number 10,771,742) for “devices with enhanced audio” that hints at better speakers in future Macs and perhaps a new line of displays that are more affordable than the US$5,000 Apple Pro Display XDR. If realized, the technology would not only enhance music and movie playback, but improve FaceTime calls.
In the patent filing, Apple notes that many audio/visual output devices may be able to have an improved audio or video output IF the audio output is able to be adjusted to the environment, surroundings, circumstances, program, and/or environment. However, many audio and video output devices may require a user input or interaction in order to change a particular output or may not have variable output settings.
In such instances the audio and/or video output may not be performing or outputting the best quality sound or images for the particular environment, programs, circumstance, or the like. Apple wants its devices to automatically adjust audio to their environment.
The iMac or speaker could even “see”the user and determine whether he/she is within optimum range for a current audio output of an audio output device. If the user is not within the optimum range, the processor modifies the audio output. Additionally, the sensor would determine whether the user is orientated towards the computing device. Based on the user orientation the processor adjusts an audio device.
Here’s the summary of the invention: “A system for enhancing audio including a plurality of sensors, an output device, and a processor in communication with the plurality of sensors and the output device. The processor is configured to process data captured by the plurality of sensors, and based on that, modify an output of the output device. The processor also is configured to determine whether there are a plurality of users associated with a video conferencing session, determine which user of the plurality of users is speaking, and enhance the audio or video output of the speaking user on the output device.”
