# Ambient sound: hear around

> Hear your surroundings while using headphones. Amplify and record ambient sound.

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.pfd.software.ambientsound](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.pfd.software.ambientsound)

## Overview

- **ID:** `com.pfd.software.ambientsound`
- **Platform:** Android
- **Type:** Android app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** VilFix
- **Category:** TOOLS
- **Downloads:** 40,380
- **Rating:** 3.41 / 5 (150 ratings)
- **Version:** 2.9.16
- **Last updated:** 2026-07-26
- **First published:** 2020-07-27
- **Publisher country:** DE
- **Size:** 13 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-12
- **Store listing:** [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pfd.software.ambientsound)
- **Website:** [http://www.vilfix.com/Apps/ambient\_sound.html](http://www.vilfix.com/Apps/ambient_sound.html)
- **Privacy policy:** [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1\_5UAk3oAl2L\_AFtUYFD9D8Ih3L7SGYDl/view?usp=sharing](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_5UAk3oAl2L_AFtUYFD9D8Ih3L7SGYDl/view?usp=sharing)

## Description

Ambient Sound lets you hear what happens around you while wearing headphones or earbuds. It amplifies real-world sound through your microphone so you can stay aware of your surroundings without removing your headphones.

Key features include real-time amplification, adjustable gain and equalizer controls, background operation with a persistent notification, the ability to record ambient audio for use in other apps, and support for wired and select Bluetooth microphones. Audio is processed locally on your device to protect your privacy, and the app is optimized for modern Android versions.

## Rankings

- #327,661 — Overall

## Permissions and access

### Permissions

- `android.permission.BLUETOOTH_CONNECT`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_MEDIA_PLAYBACK`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_MICROPHONE`
- `android.permission.MODIFY_AUDIO_SETTINGS`
- `android.permission.POST_NOTIFICATIONS`
- `android.permission.READ_MEDIA_AUDIO`
- `android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO`
- `android.permission.WAKE_LOCK`
- `com.pfd.software.ambientsound.DYNAMIC_RECEIVER_NOT_EXPORTED_PERMISSION`

## Review summary

Users appreciate the app's unique ability to enhance ambient sound through Bluetooth earbuds and its useful overlapping with other audio apps. However, multiple reviews highlight stability problems, especially related to the equalizer and background operation, with frequent crashes and stoppage when the screen locks. Latency and audio quality degradation when using Bluetooth earbuds in telephony mode are common complaints. Despite these issues, many users find the app very helpful for hearing surroundings more clearly.

### Pros

- Unique functionality that allows capturing and playing back environmental sounds on Bluetooth earbuds simultaneously.
- Works well as an ambient mode enhancer for earbuds, improving hearing around the user.
- Generally good audio quality when functioning properly.
- Effective overlapping with other apps, allowing simultaneous use with music or communication.
- Some users find it very useful for hearing conversations or ambient sounds clearly.

### Cons

- App crashes or shuts down frequently when accessing or adjusting the equalizer.
- The equalizer functionality is unreliable, with settings not saving or reverting to default.
- App stops functioning or audio cuts out when screen is locked or app is minimized.
- Latency issues cause audio delay creating a 'speech jammer' effect.
- Audio quality is reduced when using Bluetooth earbuds in telephony mode, also restricting stereo sound.

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.pfd.software.ambientsound)