The new FaceTime portrait video feature in iOS 15 isn't actually exclusive to FaceTime—it can also be used to create a blur in video calls conducted via other apps, like Zoom and Snapchat.
Audio
Facebook’s Clubhouse competitor and exclusive podcasts now launching in the US
Facebook is now rolling out its Clubhouse competitor in the US, dubbed Live Audio Rooms, along with exclusive podcasts that are now available on the platform.
Apple’s new feature simulates spatial audio for stereo and other non-Dolby content
Non-Dolby audio encoded in intentional stereo will no longer sound dull with a new feature in Apple's iOS 15, iPadOS 15 and macOS 12 Monterey updates, dubbed “Spatialize Stereo”.
A rumored update would let your AirPods support Apple Music’s lossless audio after all
A leaker claims that Apple is working on a future software update that will enable you to stream high-fidelity audio in the lossless formats on your AirPods after all.
Amazon Music HD drops to $10 per month
Amazon Music is reducing the price of its high-fidelity audio service just as Apple announced today that it's bringing lossless audio to Apple Music subscribers at no extra charge.
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Amazon Music Unlimited subscribers get HD audio for free. High-fidelity streaming used to be a $14.99 per month option. Amazon Music Unlimited is priced at $9.99 per month. Prime members can get it for just $7.99 per month. Amazon Music HD drops to $10 per monthApple announced today that all Apple Music subscribers will be able to enjoy Dolby Atmos spatial audio in lossless quality at no additional charge beginning next month. Ahead of Apple's announcement, Amazon had lowered the price of its high-fidelity offering.
Steve Boom, Amazon Music's Vice President:
It’s something we’ve all we’ve been wanting to do for a long time. When we launched, we already broke the mold by taking a service that had been $19.99—and really just for the audiophile at that price point—and brought it down to something that was much more mass-market at $14.99.
According to Billboard, the high-fidelity service is now available to all Amazon Music Unlimited subscribers at no additional cost. Before the change, Amazon Music HD was a $14.99 per month value, or $12.99 per month for Prime members.
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Family plans are eligible for Amazon Music HD at no extra charge.
What is Amazon Music Unlimited?Amazon Music Unlimited is currently available in the US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Spain. The service is priced at $9.99 per month, just like the individual Apple Music subscription. However, Amazon Music Unlimited is available to Amazon Prime members in exchange for a lower price of just $7.99 per month.
Streaming heavyweights going in on lossless audioAmazon Music HD debuted in September 2019.
The service brings more than 70 million songs in CD quality (16 bit at 44.1 kHz). Out of that number, some seven million tracks are available in ultra HD quality which exceeds CD quality (24 bit at 48kHz, 96 kHz and 192 kHz). Apple Music also offers a hi-resolution Lossless tier all the way up to 24 bit at 192 kHz.
→ How to watch Apple Music TV on all your devices
HD streaming is also offered by the likes of Deezer and Tidal, with Tidal continuing to charge $19.99 per month for the service. Spotify is apparently working on a similar offering of its own.
Apple has worked with artists to record tracks in Dolby Atmos with spatial audio. Apple's offering will be ready for public consumption next month, with thousands of spatial audio tracks available at launch and more to come later.
Apple Music teases a special announcement as new references to lossless audio leak
Apple Music has begun displaying a teaser in the Music app, saying “music is about to change forever,” as references to “Hi-Res Lossless,” “Dolby Atmos” and more get discovered.
How to improve Bluetooth audio on Mac
Bluetooth audio on Mac can be finicky, as macOS uses a standard audio codec for all kinds of headphones. This can make the audio sound bad on Bluetooth headphones. Most headphones come with support for advanced audio codecs such as AAC and aptX. However, they will end up using the SBC codec when connected to a Mac.
We're not sure why this happens, but some headphones do switch to AAC codec with modern Macs. In this post, we're going to show you how you can force macOS to use AAC or aptX codecs with supported Bluetooth headphones. This will ensure that you get the best Bluetooth audio on your Mac.
How to disable the click sounds on your Apple TV
As an Apple TV owner, you know that you receive audio feedback as you navigate the screen and apps. You hear those click sounds with every action you take using your Siri remote. But not everyone is fond of that click, click, click. Did you know you can turn those sounds off?
With the simple flip of a setting you can disable the click sounds on your Apple TV, here’s how.
Spotify announces live audio formats are coming as it tries to compete with Clubhouse
Spotify is moving into live-audio space with today's announcement of future audio formats launching on the platform in the coming months. Putting its money where its mouth is, the company also acquired Betty Labs, the creator of Locker Room, a live-audio sports app.
Waze now lets you stream audiobooks and other content from Audible
If you have an Audible membership, you can now access more than 600,000 Audible originals, audiobooks, podcasts and other audio programs from within the Google-owned Waze.
Call Recorder for Skype won’t receive native Apple silicon support
The popular “Call Recorder for Skype” app will not be updated with Apple silicon compatibility.
How to set up immersive home theater audio with your HomePod and Apple TV 4K
You don't need a dedicated AV receiver to create an immersive theater experience with Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital 7.1 or Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound right in your home. All you need is an Apple TV 4K, a HomePod or two and our quick tutorial. So follow along as we show you how to create home theater audio with your HomePod and Apple TV 4K.