Audiovisual Realism in MR: Investigating the Effects of Room Acoustics on Co-Presence with Photorealistic Avatars

With advances in spatial computing and growth in commercially available head-mounted displays, mixed reality (MR) is an emerging context for social experiences and collaborative interaction. While the role of visual representations in enhancing user experiences has been extensively studied, the contribution of audio has comparatively received little attention. In this exploratory, within-subjects study, we investigate the effects of audio quality on co-presence and associated experiential outcomes during avatar-mediated conversations in MR. In dyads, participants engaged in semi-structured conversation under anechoic and reverberant audio conditions while embodying photorealistic avatars. Results shed a nuanced light on the potential of audio in facilitating co-presence. We conclude by discussing implications for design and future research on audio within audiovisual MR environments.