LG today said it has struck an agreement with Dolby Labs to build Dolby Mobile audio into its media phones. The recently-developed technique gives listeners virtual surround from plugged-in earphones despite the relatively small size and low power of a handset. It can also enhance audio for stereo signals, either widening the perceived sound stage for a less compressed sound and restoring lost detail both through a treble enhancer as well as a bass boost.

The new mobile software similarly opens up the possibility of a graphic equalizer for modifying the overall sound of a given song and of simulating stereo output for mono audio clips, which the cellphone designer says is useful for home-made audio recordings.

LG hasn't said which of its phones will receive Dolby Mobile support but plans to introduce the first models sometime in the fall of this year.