sound
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Dolby's all-encompassing Atmos sound comes to virtual reality
Virtual reality thrives on immersive sound, so it only makes sense that audio format makers should get involved, doesn't it? Dolby certainly thinks so. It's partnering with Jaunt to put its cinematic Atmos sound into VR content, starting with snippets from the horror-laden Black Mass, the giant monster short Kaiju Fury and a Sir Paul McCartney concert. While it's a modest start, the hope is that this ultra-precise positioning will both be more engaging and let VR movie producers rely more on audible cues to get your attention -- a snapping twig may be all it takes to have you look at the scary beast lurking in the bushes. You probably wouldn't want to buy an Atmos-capable system just for the sake of VR when there's hardly anything to watch right now, but it's something to consider if you take your virtual video experiences very seriously.
Camelot Unchained funds sound engineer, looks to speed up world building
Dear Camelot Unchained: What's up with the duck? Is that your mascot? Does your artist love duck doodles? Or is it referring to a secret race in your game? Please let us know. Sincerely, Massively. Some good news for fans of this upcoming RvR title as City State Entertainment announced that it has crossed the $3,025,000 fundraising mark and thereby hit a stretch goal to hire a sound engineer for the game. Next up on the stretch goal docket is a "Hug the World" campaign at $3,225,000. If this target is hit, Camelot Unchained will hire more artists to "accelerate the building out of the game world" and improve the quality of other art assets.
Camelot Unchained prepares to cross $3M in fundraising
As of the writing of this post, Camelot Unchained is on the verge of hitting $3M in fundraising donations at $2,952,875. City State Entertainment said that when that already-impressive sum climbs to $3,025,000, the team will sign on a sound engineer to kick the game's audio up a notch. "Part of this goal will cover licensing the Audiokinetic Wwise engine and technical support for it, as well as some great plug-ins, while the rest will go toward the salary and expenses of the sound engineer," CSE posted. To help prompt more of those donation dollars, Camelot Unchained began selling unveiled lifetime subscriptions today at the builder's level.
H1Z1's audio is a key part of its immersion
When done right, you hardly ever consciously acknowledge a game's sound, but when it's missing or done poorly, it can jar a player out of desired immersion. In a dev diary posted today, H1Z1 Technical Architect Greg Spence talks about the sound of the game and demonstrates a few tests. "So much goes into making these sounds seem realistic beyond just choosing an audio file to play," Spence explains. "Taking into account your surroundings, whether you are inside or outside, what type of ground you are on, time of day, and even weather can play a big part in the final thing you hear." Spence discusses sound effects, environment sounds, and, of course, music. You can check out the audio test videos after the break!
Rdio app gets iOS 8 and CarPlay support, upgraded sound across subscriptions
The war between streaming services is great for consumers, because it's created an arms race of sorts between each services app's to be better than the rest. Todays latest upgrade comes courtesy of Rdio, featuring improved sound quality, CarPlay support, optimized visuals for iOS 8. On the visual front iPhone 6 and 6 Plus users will be seeing the biggest difference, with the app now downloading high-resolutions images and art that corresponds with the song you're streaming. The app's new iOS 8 compatibility introduces interactive notifications, allowing you to play music and follow artists directly from the app's push notifications. CarPlay support has been added, from simple playback to utilizing your favorites and playlists directly from your car's display panel. Of course streaming in your car stereo doesn't matter if the music sounds bad, but thanks to a new upgrade users have more control over sound quality than ever before. The company has converted all of its songs to the AAC format, and now lets users pick their level of quality. If you're worried about your data plan simply select the 64 kbps level, while folks with unlimited plans can boost their sound all the way up to 320kbps. Having tested the upgrade across all levels with headphones the improved sound quality is noticeable. Even the lowest levels of streaming sound better than before. You can test for yourself right now by downloading the Rdio app from the iTunes Store.
Sound Circle won't let you sleep
I love napping. I could make excuses about it making me more productive and alert, but the simple fact is that naps and sleeping are a great personal pleasure. It's not easy to nap just everywhere and at anytime. I find that "white noise" and soothing sounds can really help me to nap on airplanes, while waiting in various lounges, or just when I want to catch a quick power nap. I've recently tested Sound Circle, an ambient noise app. Sound Circle requires iOS 7.0 or later and is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. This app is optimized for iPhone 5. The app is free with a $1.99 in-app purchase for the timer and playlist functionality. When using an app to provide soothing sounds for napping I have just a few simple requirements. First, the app should present me with a selection of "environments" to select from, like softly falling rain, gentle waves, twilight in the forest with birds and insects, or generated electronic noises. The second basic requirement is a timer to let me confidently fall asleep knowing that I'll be awakened on time. Sound Circle does offer a nice, basic selection of sounds, but you have to purchase the timer feature. I do like how Sound Circle allows me to select multiple sound samples and combine them, setting each sound at the desired and separate volume. But I found the controls balky and unresponsive. The app also provides several built in piece of music. I'm not sure exactly how many, because each time I tried to move past the seventh selection the app crashed. Sound Circle is best used with headphones to give a full immersive experience. Professional nappers like myself also use a sleep mask to enhance the experience. The lack of a timer is a real shame. Frankly, it makes the app a non-starter for me. While I'd be open to purchasing sounds or other features, a timer is basic required functionality. Without it I just can't use this app for napping or sleeping when I'm concerned with waking at a specific time. Sound Circle offers a playlist option, but that's also part of the in-app purchase. Frankly, if you want to sleep to a playlist of your own music you can build your own with the built-in Music app and simply set a timer using the Clock function. I don't nap as easily to music (OK, soothing classical or ambient music can work), but many people enjoy falling asleep this way. You just don't need another app for that. My recommendation for music to sleep by? Brian Eno's Music For Airports. Especially nice for use when sleeping in airports and awaiting delayed flights. Sound Circle has potential, but it's not ready for prime time. If you're looking for a sleep noise app with reliable features I highly recommend White Noise.
White Noise HQ brings you customized focus and relaxation
There are a lot of white noise apps available in the App Store, but this one is by far the most robust. Available in both a free and a paid version for the iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch, White Noise HQ is packed with sounds and customization features. In general, most free apps come with extremely limited features. Even paid versions of similar apps contain only different variations of the same sounds, such as water, crickets, etc... White Noise isn't like that. The free version has 25 sounds that include everything from nature to household sounds and industrial machinery. There are also three different "noise" sounds: white, pink and brown. You can create custom mixes of up to six sounds. Create different mixes for meditation, relaxation and motivation. Another thing, Phase4 Mobile didn't just design White Noise to help you sleep. It's also built to free you from distracts and improve your productivity. There's a timer with very specific preset intervals. If you use the Pomodoro method of productivity, you'll love this for timing your tasks. Those of you who want the timer for sleep will be happy to hear that the audio fades out before shutting off. There's no sudden stopping of the noise to wake you up. My favorite feature is when you mix the white noise sounds with other apps, like Audible. Flip over to the settings panel and enable "mix with other apps." This lets White Noise run in the background while other audio apps are active. I spent some time this weekend listening to the new Lev Grossman novel with the sounds of a train in the background. Audiobooks themselves don't do much to drown out noise. Pairing Audible with White Noise helps. There is a caveat here, your audiobook and White Noise play at the same volume. You have to choose your sounds carefully. For instance, the indoor fan noise is quite loud and made it impossible for me to hear the narrator. Surprisingly, the Russian passenger train (yes, that's really a sound on here) was the perfect background for the book. Have a little fun experimenting and see which sounds compliment the mood of the book to which you are listening. Another nice thing about the free app: It's gorgeous. The high-resolution images of beautiful locations are enough to relax you. It does have ads, but they are relatively unobtrusive. If you are annoyed by the ads, you can spend the US$0.99 for the upgrade, which is labeled White Noise HQ. In addition to being ad-free, you'll get 75 sounds, instead of the 25 that come with the free version. Most of these sounds are redundant, which makes the paid version a lot more like all of its competitors. Does a creek in Texas really sound that different from a creek in a forest? Not to me. Still, there is some variety here, like the vacuum cleaner and industrial heat pump options. The best sound is the virtual space wind. The blizzard one is not bad either. Despite the lack of ads and the wider sound choices, I'm not sure that the upgrade is worth it. Yes, you are only spending $0.99, but the free app gives you plenty of options. Plus, the paid version only comes with six sounds installed. You have to manually download any other sounds that you want. It only takes seconds per sound, but it was enough to annoy me. For those of you who cannot stand ads or really need a wider selection of sounds, then spring for the paid version, otherwise, stick with the free app.
Dolby's immersive Atmos audio is coming to your living room
Dolby's Atmos technology, which bombards you with sound from all directions, was undoubtedly built with movie theaters in mind; few have the money or space for that many speakers. However, the company has at last devised a way to bring Atmos to your living room. While the solution will let you hang speakers from the ceiling if you're so inclined, it will primarily rely on audio systems that produce overhead sound through physics tricks. This could get expensive, as you might imagine. On top of an Atmos-capable receiver, you'll need either speakers with native Atmos support or modules that add to your existing setup. Thankfully, you probably won't have to toss out everything -- the Blu-ray spec can already handle Atmos, so most existing disc players should work.
Mac 101: How to disable that annoying volume noise
Apple's OS X has one little feature that makes me nuts. When you adjust the volume with the keyboard or Menu Bar slider, it makes a little "pip" sound as the volume increases or decreases. On one hand, it's a nice confirmation that you've successfully made a change; on the other hand, it's an annoying little pip. Fortunately, there are two ways to silence it. First, hold down the Shift key when adjusting the volume via the keyboard. Your other option is to have at it in System Preferences. Launch and click Sound, and then Sound Effects. Next, de-select "Play feedback when volume is changed." No more pip! Pro tip: once you've made that change in System Preferences, the Shift key trick works differently. Hold Shift while adjusting volume to hear the pip.
Mac 101: quickly change volume input, output
Many Mac users have several input and output devices for sound. For example, I have a mic, external speakers and a set of headphones connected to my MacBook Pro pretty much all the time. I also use Soundflower for capturing audio from my Mac. I can make any one of them active via the sound System Preference. Or, I could use this trick, which is much faster. Just Option-click on the volume icon in the Menu Bar and presto! A list of available input and output devices appears. Just click the one you want and you're all set. Nice and fast.
Xbox One's May update to add audio options for apps, chat
Participants in the Xbox One's early access program can expect a new update to arrive sometime this week, while general users will see it sometime in May. Larry "Major Nelson" Hyrb's post explains that with the update, snapped apps will soon be manageable with a sound mixer found in the Settings menu, which will allow users to adjust volume levels for apps independently. The same functionality will allow users to tweak volume levels while using the Kinect for chatting. The update will also allow users to opt into allowing their speech data to be collected, which Major Nelson states will "be used for product improvement only." Users will be able to toggle their related permission by visiting the Settings menu, selecting Privacy & Online Safety, heading into Customizing Privacy and Online Safety, and setting Share Voice Data to "Allow." The post explains that having additional voice samples for the software's algorithms would help improve the Kinect's responsiveness, but if you'd rather let Microsoft smooth the kinks out on their own, that's definitely an option as well. [Image: Microsoft]
Recommended Reading: Sound, noise and Xbox in Hollywood
Recommended Reading highlights the best long-form writing on technology and more in print and on the web. Some weeks, you'll also find short reviews of books that we think are worth your time. We hope you enjoy the read. Sonic Boom by Megan Garber, The Atlantic Pocket!function(d,i){if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement("script");j.id=i;j.src="https://widgets.getpocket.com/v1/j/btn.js?v=1";var w=d.getElementById(i);d.body.appendChild(j);}}(document,"pocket-btn-js"); Over the course of centuries, our notions of sound and noise have changed dramatically, and technology has played a large part in that. Through the lens of a Bourbon Street uproar and the history of ordinances, The Atlantic's Megan Garber hashes out the transformation. There's a look at how municipalities might design urban areas to cater to the public's varied sonic sensibilities and how appliances are built to sound a certain way when in use.
Story and Sound: Mozart would be writing the World of Warcraft
I've been thinking a lot lately about the dynamics of telling a story. What exactly is a story? How do you tell it most effectively, both from an artistic narrative stand point, and a consumer-friendly attention grabbing one? I've also been concerned with new ways to tell a story, especially one that people might discount at first since the story mechanism lives on the edge of pop culture. Besides working on WoW Insider, I also make my home at the Minnesota Opera, working on their website and advancing an opera's story through digital mediums. Opera is an old art form, one that if not nurtured and brought into the next century is at risk of becoming obscure. I'm proud to work for a company that realizes this and does some really ground breaking things. It struck me recently when sitting through a dress rehearsal the eerie similarities between Warcraft and an opera like The Magic Flute. After thinking about how very like these two story-telling vehicles are, I realized that they are both just a natural progression in humanity's ability to tell a story.
The Daily Grind: Which MMO has the best 'ding'?
Unless you're into sandboxy skill-based MMORPGs, the actual process of leveling up is probably an important part of whatever themepark you're playing. WildStar has been jeered at for its over-the-top level-up animation. EverQuest's ding is infamous; the jarring "chonnggggg" of it still haunts me, and some clever modder even made a plugin to add it to Skyrim. On the other end of the spectrum is Guild Wars 2, in which I frequently overlook the fact that I've leveled up at all because the cues are relatively unobtrusive. What do you guys think is the best MMORPG "ding" of all time? Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!
The Elder Scrolls Online explores the creation of its music
Music plays a major role in setting the mood of any game. Sure, it might not be what makes or breaks The Elder Scrolls Online, but it would be difficult to get into the feel of epic adventure if the game's soundtrack were played entirely on harmonicas and vuvuzuelas. The latest development blog on the official site explains how the game's music was developed, how it was recorded, and what you can expect from the experience. Brad Derrick and Rik Schaffer handled the composition of the in-game score, experimenting with a variety of different methods for delivering the songs. At one point the game featured a system that changed the soundtrack measure by measure based on context cues, but that proved unworkable in the long run; instead, the music shifts to a variety of pieces depending on gameplay, weather, and the like, with unifying themes in each environment. Click on past the break for a sample of the orchestral recording, as well as one of the bardic songs performed by the singer Malukah.
Google buys SlickLogin, looks to swap passwords for inaudible sound waves
If Google's latest acquisition is anything to go by, entering a password on a website could soon be as easy as placing your smartphone near your computer. Israeli startup SlickLogin confirmed today it has become the latest company join Mountain View's ranks (although it'll work from Google's local offices), bringing its patented sound-based smartphone technology with it. While neither party has disclosed much information, Google's intentions seem clear: the company already offers its two-factor authentication tech free to everybody, but it can be a pain to enter a six-digit authentication code (which changes every minute). SlickLogin's system, however, requires no additional technology, just place your phone near your computer and inaudible sounds played through the speakers take care of the rest. The Israeli team says Google is already "working on some great ideas that will make the internet safer for everyone," except maybe from your dog, who could hear all of your future passwords.
Audio Memos for iOS: Like Apple's Voice Memo, only much better
Apple's Voice Memos has been around since iOS 3, and in iOS 7 it got a new look and a new icon, but no new features. You can record a voice memo, trim it, and email or text it and Voice Memos also supports AirDrop. It's a good audio recorder, but it's not for the power user. Audio Memos is far more powerful, and it's only US$0.99. Many users will probably end up buying all of the in-app purchases that take the app price to $9.99. If you can pick and choose to get the features you really need, Audio Memos is powerful, inexpensive, and useful. Like Apple's Voice Memos, the basic Audio Memos app is, well ... basic. It records voice memos, and it supports iCloud, so you can grab your memo from any device signed into your iCloud account. Voice memos can also be emailed to recipients. The app records in the background, so you can record a lecture while checking your email or playing a game if you like. Apple's Voice Memo also does this. When in recording mode, a red bar is visible across the top of your screen. Tap it and you are returned to the Audio Memos. The app also supports selective erase of part of a recording, but no fancy editing or trimming. Even at the basic level of the app, there is a lot of power. In-app purchases give you the ability to send pictures along with an audio file, to insert audio into a recording, to compress an audio file to make it smaller and there are also trimming options available. All the options can be purchased together as a $9.99 package, saving some money over buying separately. Or a user could go for Audio Memos Pro, ($9.99) which has all the add-on features of the $0.99 version and all of the in-app additions, and also adds increased security, variable scrubbing speeds and more. Both apps are easy to use, and share the same GUI. Audio quality is excellent. The iPhone microphone really is good quality, but users rarely get to hear just how good it is. Both apps have extensive and concise built-in help. Recordings are done in WAV format, which is pretty much universal and PC-friendly. Recording can be triggered by a button, by a voice, or the app can be set to record at a particular time, pretty handy for recording a speech from a podium with an unattended iPhone or iPad. The basic app will work for casual use. You may want to add some in-app purchases, but if you want the whole Audio Memos experience it makes sense to spring for the Pro version. I would also recommend that TUAW readers who are interested in audio recording take a look at Dictaphone, a free app that contains many, but not all the features discussed above. The app supports sharing of files, MP3 and WAV recording, external mic support, background recording, and much more. Like Audio Memos, some of the features require an in-app purchase. All the Audio Memos apps require iOS 5 or greater and they are universal apps. All these apps go well beyond the Apple Voice Memo app, and are worth a look by the serious recordist. I think the differences between the Pro and regular version are a bit fuzzy. I'd like to see the basic app include more features even if it commands a slightly higher price, but something under $9.99 would be reasonable. If you just want to sample Audio Memos for free, there is a 'lite' version. It places some limits on recording file size and drops features like bookmarks, voice and timer activation, and reduces the sharing options.
Watch an ultrasonic array move objects in 3D space (video)
Ultrasonic levitation has been possible for awhile, but it's not very practical when objects must typically hover along a single axis. University of Tokyo researchers Yoichi Ochiai, Takayuki Hoshi and Jun Rekimoto have cleared this hurdle with an ultrasonic array that can push items around in 3D space. The machine creates a focal point from a three-dimensional standing wave; users just have to alter the wave's properties to move whatever is caught inside that point. The technique can manipulate a wide range of materials, and it's safe to disrupt with your hands. While the array will need to scale up before it lifts objects much larger than matchsticks or screws, it already shows that we don't need exotic technologies like tractor beams to float things through the air.
Naturespace, a "sonic landscape" app, has a special Halloween surprise
Naturespace is simply one of my favorite apps, and that includes every piece of software I've used since 1978. If you've ever had problems with ringing in the ears or going to sleep, Naturespace could also be one of the greatest things ever. In short, it is a sonic landscape app, with access to dozens of expertly recorded and crafted audio "scenes" that play out in a seamless loop for as long as you wish, all in glorious "holographic" (aka 3D) audio. The quality is breathtaking, the choices are vast and the app is a pleasure to use. Here's a video with some info on how and why they do this. But since it's Halloween, Naturespace is offering its Thunder God collection for free! That's $10 of content available to our readers for nothing. Plus, on October 31st they'll post a "Trick or Treat" track on their Facebook page. You can read a review of Naturespace here and or watch our live demo here, but since you can try a few tracks for free there's no reason to not download it and try it. Put on some headphones and lose yourself in the auditory delights of a variety of sonic landscapes and I think you'll agree that this app is a gem on the App Store. If you're looking to buy a few tracks to really experience the magic of the app, here are some thoughts from one of the guys who produces the audio you'll hear: "The Ascendancy of The Redwoods" is an epic track. It took us almost a week of recording to create the piece. It's a perfect track for people that have never visited the Redwoods or for people that want to revisit this ancient forest. We also have three recordings that have trains in them. These recording stand out from the pure nature aspects of the catalog and use our 3D techniques to deliver a truly unique experience. The first called "The Cloud Engine" was created by us by chartering an authentic steam train in the Rocky Mountains. This piece a serious trip back to the 1800's and places the listener on what was considered "advanced tech" back then. The second train piece is called "Serpentine" which includes a fantastic distant train winding through canyons. It is a great piece for anyone whose past holds the sound of trains in the distance. The third piece "The Ghost" is a more ambient steam train experience that puts the listener aboard a train alone. This piece is a ride down into a canyon without the strong "chugging" of "The Cloud Engine". It is meant as a companion piece to "The Cloud Engine".
Audio pioneer Ray Dolby passes away
We've sad news to report today in the world of audio: Ray Dolby has passed on. His death comes relatively soon after losing both Dr. Fritz Sennheiser and Dr. Amar Bose, and as with those two gentlemen, Dolby's legacy will continue to impact viewers and listeners around the globe for many years to come. Dolby founded Dolby Laboratories in 1965, seeking to provide a place for like-minded engineers to "push the limits of sight and sound," as is stated on the outfit's homepage. He is perhaps best known for the Dolby noise-reduction system, and in more modern times, for his company's iconic stamp on just about every major motion picture and piece of AV equipment known to man. Dolby's surround sound magic continues to lead the industry, with Dolby 3D and Dolby Atmos as its latest contributions. Ray Dolby was 80 years old, and is survived by his wife Dagmar as well as sons Tom and David. A tribute video compiled by Dolby Labs can be found after the break.
