Earlier last week, Apple was granted a patent for a virtual acoustic speaker system for laptops, a technology that could potentially make audio from laptops sound as though it's coming from various parts of the room.

On Dec 31, Apple won a patent, originally spotted by Patently Apple, that outlines a concept which would give laptops virtual surround sound - no extra speakers needed. This audio-processing system would make sound from a MacBook Pro laptop seem as though it's coming from several parts of a space either inside or outside by dividing it into at least three paths; the tech could enhance the "feeling of 'being there'" for music listeners, sports event viewers, movie fans and videogamers.

This is accomplished by altering humans' perception of the sound in a fashion similar to the concept Apple described in a patent won back in November; instead of sound being altered on a loudspeaker, that patent outlined the idea of an augmented conference call experience using headphones.

Such a technology could provide users in any space with more immersive experiences without having to invest in additional stereo equipment. Instead, viewers and gamers could feel present within the context of a football game, movie, or videogame thanks only to their laptop speakers.

The patent, which was originally filed during the first half of 2018, was officially granted on Dec 31, 2019.

 - AFP Relaxnews