What is "virtual headphone" developed by Microsoft?

Even if Microsoft does not use headphones, he seems to have started developing algorithms of "virtual headphones" that do not have to worry about listening to the conversation they are doing to the surrounding people.

By using this, if you have to use voice communication software such as Skype in offices and public places, you can ask people around you to listen to the conversation you are doing and to listen to the surrounding sound It is no longer necessary to use headphones due to concern that the other party's voice will be difficult to hear.

It may be very convenient to think that it is possible to make a voice call even if the headphones are not at hand, and that it can be done without being bothered by the headphone code.

Details are as follows.
Technology Review: Computer Speakers for Your Ears Only

According to this article, the virtual headphone algorithm currently being developed by a team of researchers named Ivan Tashev of Microsoft makes it possible to directly focus on the sound of the sound emitted from the speaker, It will come to be unnecessary to be heard.

By the way, it seems that it will be difficult to hear by only about 2 inches (about 5 centimeters) to 3 inches (about 7.6 centimeters) away from the ear.

In addition, this technology can be realized with speakers used in many PCs, and eventually it is a goal to combine cameras and four or more speakers so that only one person can hear the sound while walking around It is said that. It is amazing.