EDGE Sound Search is a pioneer of “embodied audio”, a new technology that is changing the way we live virtual reality. When we think of “virtual reality,” the focus seems solely on engaging our sense of sight. Embodied Audio from EDGE Sound Research will revolutionize the way we experience audio in VR worlds through its use of audible and tactile frequencies.
One of the things that sets this technology apart is that it stems from the experience of co-founder Ethan Castro. Castro had hearing problems and as a result he had to resort to sound. Moreover, Castro loved music and even became a professional sound engineer and composer. He studied how sound can be perceived by combining hearing and feeling. Eventually, he partnered with co-founder Val Salomaki to launch EDGE Sound Research.
Bringing embedded audio to life
Embedded audio adds realism to the sound. This revolutionary technology combines the auditory and physical sensations of sound in an “optimized and singular embodiment”.
“This means that a user can take advantage of all frequency ranges they can hear (acoustic audio) and feel (haptic and tactile audio, also known as physical audio)”, Castro and Salomaki said.
Castro and Salomaki go on to explain that they invented a new patent-pending technology for embodied audio, which they dubbed ResonX™. This new technology, which has been nominated for the CES Innovation Awardhas the ability to transform any physical space or environment into an embodied audio experience capable of reproducing a wide range of physical (7-5,000+ Hz) and acoustic (80-17,000 Hz) audio frequencies.
Create new experiences with the ResonX™ system
“The ResonX™ system is a combination of hardware and software. A user places the ResonX™ Core (hardware component) on the surface of a material and the ResonX™ software calibrates the surface of the material to resonate reliable high-fidelity audio that the user can hear and feel,” Castro and Salomaki said.
For example, when someone uses the ResonX™ system at home, they can attach the ResonX™ Core to their couch, turning it into an embodied audio experience. So when they sit on the couch watching their favorite show, say a basketball game, they will feel like they are there in person. Users can hear every sound, including the ball being dribbled and even the most subtle sounds like the squeaking sounds made by sneakers.
According to Castro and Salomaki, if a user wants to take their movie-watching experience to the next level, here’s what they can do:
“An individual can secure the ResonX™ to the ground and then be completely immersed in walking around a new planet hearing and feeling every moment to make the experience feel like life.”
Apart enrich user experiences in the metaversethis new technology finally allows us to engage our other senses, adding a new dimension to our experience of music, games, live entertainment, and more.
“This opens the door to new possibilities for storytelling and worldwide connectivity, as an experience can now begin to blur what is real due to three senses simultaneously informing a user that a moment is happening. Not like an effect, but as an embodied reality”, shared the co-founders of EDGE Sound Research.
Embracing innovation in the VR space
With ResonX™ and its ability to bring embodied audio to life, users can now enjoy richer experiences in virtual worlds. Not only will they use their sense of sight, but they will also have the opportunity to experience these virtual worlds using their sense of hearing and touch. Now users have the ability to transform their physical environment into a cohesive sound system.
The good news is that users can enjoy the embodied audio experience in many public places. According to Castro and Salomaki, they have already deployed the ResonX™ in various sports stadiums, bars and art installations. Plus, if you want to bring the ResonX™ experience home, you can contact EDGE Sound Research for a custom installation.
What will embodied audio look like in the future?
It will likely become more widely available. “Over time, we will release a more widely available consumer version of the ResonX™ system that will make this ResonX™ technology more accessible to everyone,” Castro and Salomaki said.
