Sony Announces Collaboration in Audio Augmented Reality with Niantic

Sony has signed an agreement with Niantic, the gaming company that developed the massively popular online game Pokemon GO, creating a global phenomenon (and a business). The collaboration targets the Niantic's development of augmented reality (AR) mobile games expanded with AR for headphones, such as the just announced new Sony LinkBuds. For users to be able to add audio augmented reality, they need personal audio solutions that deliver spatial audio in sync with the game on-screen, while maintaining environment awareness for safety.

Sony Electronics is exploring new avenues in earbud design with its latest LinkBuds, allowing users to enjoy music, content, and experiences – all at once. With the LinkBuds, Sony introduces an open diaphragm ring design that delivers improved audio transparency, ultra-small super fit, and crystal-clear sound and call quality. By leveraging this unique design, sensors, and spatial sound technologies, Sony says the LinkBuds will be also a new platform for augmented reality (AR) content, navigation, and work-from-home.