New leaks of the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro reveal that the true wireless earbuds will feature head-tracking 3D audio capabilities similar to the AirPods Pro's Spatial Audio mode.

Active noise cancellation and a new "Voice Detect" feature are also featured in an APK teardown by Github user ThePBone, which includes screenshots of the accompanying mobile app. But it's not all good news. According to this leak, the 3D audio feature will only be available when the Galaxy Buds Pro is paired with a Samsung device like the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S21.

Samsung's 3D Audio appears to work in the same way as Apple's Spatial Audio. Using sensors to track the user's head movements, the earphones reportedly play sound from a seemingly consistent position, creating a 3D surround sound effect.

Unfortunately, according to Teardown, 3D audio also mirrors Spacial Audio in that it only works with phones from the same manufacturer; those with phones from Google, Motorola, Huawei, Oppo, LG, etc. are out of luck I can only say that.

At least Samsung's Galaxy Buds Pro doesn't seem to require a Galaxy smartphone for the other key features revealed in this leak. Active noise cancellation was already available on the Galaxy Buds Live, but the Galaxy Buds Pro has a new shape that may provide a more effective seal against external noise.

Then there is Voice Detect. This is where the earphones sense when you are speaking and automatically activate an ambient sound mode, allowing you to have a quick conversation without having to manually activate the ambient mode. According to leaked screenshots, this feature can be turned on and off, as can noise cancellation and ambient sound. [For example, the battery size of the charging case is said to be 472 mAh, exactly the same specs as in previous Samsung Galaxy Buds leaks. However, these features, which are reminiscent of the AirPods, are still awaiting an official announcement at the Samsung Unpacked event on January 14.

If so, Apple will have quite a few months to respond; the Apple AirPods Pro 2 has been rumored, but most rumors say it will not make its appearance until late 2021 at the earliest.

In the meantime, look out for Samsung's Galaxy Buds Pro. With an improved fit and the added smarts of 3D audio, it could join the ranks of the best wireless earbuds, even if it is limited to certain smartphones.