The HTC U 11 will feature support for 3D audio recording, according to a well-known HTC developer and industry insider LlabTooFeR. The report follows shortly after a leak of what’s said to be the official spec sheet of the device already suggested that HTC’s upcoming Android flagship will boast the same functionality, though LlabTooFeR now clarified on the matter by saying that the HTC U 11 will be equipped with four microphones that are believed to be designed specifically for the purpose of enabling 3D audio recording.
That description sounds similar to the setup utilized by the HTC U Ultra, another high-end smartphone manufactured by the Taiwanese tech giant with 3D audio capabilities. According to its official product documentation, the HTC U Ultra utilizes four highly sensitive omnidirectional microphones that are capable of recording 360-degree, positional sound. Unlike traditional recording solutions, 3D audio allows for a more immersive listening experience due to the fact that it’s more spatially accurate and does a better job of capturing events in an authentic manner. While an increasing number of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the world have started putting a larger focus on 3D audio features in recent times, it seems that the Taiwanese tech giant is still adamant to be a leader in this segment in an effort to differentiate its products from the competition.
Apart from 3D audio, another somewhat unconventional feature of the upcoming HTC U 11 is the so-called Edge Sense, a pressure-sensitive frame of the device that users will be able to interact with by squeezing it. While not entirely unprecedented, the functionality will still position the HTC U 11 as a unique offering on the market, though it remains to be seen whether that will be enough to ensure commercial success, something that the Taoyuan-based company has been struggling in recent years as its last few high-end devices didn’t fulfill market performance expectations for a number of reasons. Regardless, following numerous leaks and reports that have already revealed virtually all major details about the HTC U 11, the upcoming flagship will be officially unveiled on Tuesday, May 16, which is when the Taiwanese phone maker is expected to disclose availability and pricing details on its latest handset.