Microsoft Teams adds spatial audio for more immersive conference calls

“Teams Spatial Audio enhances the audio experience of participants in meetings by synchronizing the perceived audio location with their video representation. This innovative feature makes it easier for users to track speakers, especially when multiple speakers are speaking simultaneously. The ultimate aim is to reduce meeting fatigue and cognitive load,” explained Hong Sodoma, a representative from Microsoft.

However, Microsoft faces a limitation when it comes to spatial audio and Bluetooth earbuds or headphones, at least for the time being. Sodoma stated, “Please note that you will need a stereo-capable device such as wired headsets or stereo-capable laptops. Bluetooth devices are currently not supported due to protocol limitation. Next generation LE Audio with stereo-enabled Bluetooth devices will be supported.” If you have wireless headphones connected via a USB dongle, there is potential to utilize spatial audio. Purely Bluetooth devices do not yet have this capability.

LE Audio is still relatively new and requires support from both the source device and the audio accessory. Notably, certain earbuds from Samsung, Sony, OnePlus, EarFun, and other manufacturers have already been updated to be compatible. In May, Windows 11 introduced support for Bluetooth LE. Therefore, it is hopeful that Teams’ spatial audio will soon work wirelessly with the mentioned earbuds.

However, Microsoft’s Bluetooth devices are unlikely to receive LE Audio support in the near future. Remember the Surface Earbuds? There was no follow-up, suggesting disappointing sales. Even the Surface Headphones 2, which received positive reviews, have not been succeeded. This emphasizes the benefits of an ecosystem like Apple’s, which has offered spatial audio across its platforms for some time now. Nevertheless, it is hoped that LE Audio will gain significant momentum as we approach the fall season.