Foreign media protocol learned that dysonics, a 3D audio start-up, has been quietly acquired by Google. Some dysonics employees have joined Google in recent months and are now working on audio hardware at Google. Google has also acquired intellectual property rights from dysonics, including patents to track binaural sound that could be used in future iterations of Google's pixel buds or other audio wearable devices.

Google did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The acquisition took place in December and was disclosed in a recent filing with the U.S. patent and Trademark Office. The terms of the deal are unclear. Dysonics had previously raised undisclosed funds from Intel Capital and other companies, employing less than 10 people, according to the 2020 PPP loan documents.

Dysonics, founded in 2011, is a branch of the UC Davis technology incubator. The company initially built a motion tracker for headphones, making it possible to add space awareness to off the shelf audio wearable devices. Later, dysonics cooperated with Virgin America to bring surround sound into its on-board entertainment system, and developed 3D audio creation software for VR content creators.

Google is likely to use dysonics staff and technology for future versions of pixel bugs, which will allow the company to add features such as space audio to future products that already exist on Apple's airpods pro and Max models. In addition, Google may also use the start-up's technology to further enhance the sound of its nest speakers.

In addition, it is interesting that dysonics may provide audio power for Google's ar hardware in the future. After a period of low-key in the AR / VR hardware field, Google's actions in recent months show its renewed interest in Ar / VR. Most notably, Google acquired ar glasses manufacturer North in June 2020.