Auditory localization potential describes a set of metrics that quantify the estimated angular distance and diffusion error of the impulse response for a rendered direction through a spatial audio system compared to a reference impulse response. These metrics inform the potential auditory angular error and spatial blur that could be expected when users conduct an auditory localization task. Such a tool can inform the possible effects on a listener’s localization ability when designing optimizations strategies and wearable loudspeakers, especially in the context of extended reality (XR) devices. These types of devices commonly employ limited compute resources, with loudspeakers located at a distance from the ear where anthropometric effects are unavoidable. This paper presents a review of how auditory localization potential can be evaluated on XR spatial audio systems through digital output and acoustic measurements, and how this localization metric can be further validated through critical listening measurement strategies. This review of evaluation techniques provides a set of tools to product designers and engineers that can increase the understanding of the expected performance of spatial audio subsystems and improve their design process. 1
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