Galaxy Note 9 Android Pie update brings separate Dolby Atmos gaming option

One of the first new features that we wrote about when Samsung released the Android Pie beta for the Galaxy S9 and S9+ was a Dolby Atmos mode for gaming. This feature didn't make it through to the last beta, and it was nowhere to be found when the stable Galaxy S9 Pie update started rolling out. Well, it turns out the Galaxy Note 9's stable Pie update does include a gaming option for Dolby Atmos, but the way it works is a bit different.

Instead of being added to the existing Dolby Atmos listening modes (auto, movies, music, and voice), there's a separate toggle called Dolby Atmos for gaming in the sound settings on the device. And it's the right implementation in our eyes. With a separate option, Dolby Atmos can be enabled for gaming without having to modify the primary Dolby Atmos setting, so you can simply stop playing a game and use the phone for movies or music without having to constantly switch between the different Dolby Atmos modes.

As expected, the major difference Dolby Atmos for gaming seems to make is to increase the overall volume, with the effect more pronounced over wired audio. What isn't clear is why the Galaxy S9 does not have the Dolby Atmos for gaming feature even on the latest Pie release. We're guessing this is another hint that Samsung has rushed these updates out the gate and can only hope the company brings improvements and consistency across both of its 2018 flagships as far as Android Pie features are concerned.

You can find the Dolby Atmos for gaming option in the Sounds and vibration » Advanced sound settings » Sound quality and effects menu in the Settings app. Check out the GIF animation below for a quick visual guide (tap/click the image if it doesn't start playing automatically).