Samsung Adds 360-Degree Audio Capture, Camera Controls to Galaxy Wearables

Samsung’s Galaxy accessories are about to become more powerful thanks to a software update headed to the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and the Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 5 families. The new features(Opens in a new window) target the photography and videography capabilities of Samsung Galaxy phones, allowing the wearables and phones to work more closely with one another for content creation.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
(Credit: Tim Gideon)

Specifically, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro will gain the ability to capture 360-degree audio via their built-in microphones when used with a Galaxy smartphone. The feature supplants the microphones on the phone itself in favor of those in the buds.

Samsung says the tool is able to record “high-quality, realistic audio for video” without requiring bulky separate equipment. The idea is to place the listener at the center of the audio action when the resulting video is played back through the headphones.

Samsung points out that Bluetooth LE Audio is making this feature possible. LE Audio is one of the latest additions to the Bluetooth standard where it improves general audio quality and also shortens latency and lengthens battery life. It’s also what powers the binaural recording capability of the Buds 2 Pro, which is able to put the left and right headphone mics to use at the same time. Samsung says this feature will reach the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Z Fold 4 phones first.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
(Credit: Angela Moscaritolo)

The two more recent Samsung Galaxy Watches are on deck for a new camera-focused feature as well. Samsung is adding capabilities to the Galaxy Watch Camera Controller app, which already allows Galaxy Watch owners to snap photos from their wrist. The coming feature update, which is compatible with the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 5, adds zoom capabilities to the Camera Controller app. Watch owners will be able to remotely zoom the camera by pinching their watch face or rotating the bezel to take more control over framing each shot.

The 360-degree audio recording feature is rolling out via software update starting today, while the updated Camera Controller feature will reach the Watch 4 and Watch 5 series starting in February.

Samsung says more Galaxy smartphone camera features will be announced at its upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event on Feb. 1.