Sennheiser and Samsung bring 3D audio headphones to Android phones

Sennheiser's Ambeo Smart Surround headphones are coming to Android phones, thanks to a tie-up with Samsung.

The earbuds, previously exclusive to iPhone, record 3D audio, also known as binaural audio. They're aimed at virtual reality fans, in order to make the experience even more immersive.

The deal makes sense for Sennheiser, as Android phones lend themselves to VR more than the iPhone does, thanks to Google's Daydream VR platform and Daydream View headset.

Android also has more users worldwide than iOS, Apple's mobile operating system.

MORE: Sennheiser Ambeo is 3D audio in 9.1 channels

MORE: What is binaural audio?

"We are working with Samsung on the Ambeo smart headset to make it available for Android devices," Andreas Sennheiser, the firm's CEO, told The Korea Herald (via The Verge). The partnership with Samsung would give the project "credibility", he added.

For its part, Samsung has its own smartphone headphones, thanks to its acquisition last year of Harman. It bundles a set of AKG in-ear headphones (made by Harman) with its latest smartphones, including the Galaxy S8.

MORE: Sennheiser CEOs talk Ambeo, hi-res and the future of sound

Joe Svetlik

Joe has been writing about tech for 17 years, first on staff at T3 magazine, then in a freelance capacity for Stuff, The Sunday Times Travel Magazine, Men's Health, GQ, The Mirror, Trusted Reviews, TechRadar and many more (including What Hi-Fi?). His specialities include all things mobile, headphones and speakers that he can't justifying spending money on.