Described as “an operating system for the ear”, CosmOS is a platform developed by Sonical that has been designed to provide users with in-depth control over and customisation of their headphones and earphones. It’s capable of facilitating everything from EQ profiles and built-in hearing protection features to support for high-quality wireless audio, and importantly, enables the use of third-party applications and plug-ins so that its features aren’t tied to a particular piece of gear or hardware platform.
In September 2024, the company announced the launch of CosmOS Certified, a programme that allows third-party manufacturers to develop their own applications and plug-ins that run on the platform. The company’s aim is to make devices ‘appable’, allowing developers to integrate new technologies and features into existing products while kitting end users out with the tools to personalise their equipment and configure it to suit their specific needs. At present, over 100 companies are involved in developing CosmOS-powered tools.
At its core, CosmOS is designed so that we can help others, help others. No-one is as smart as everyone, meaning no single company can invent and build all the diverse applications and features that need to come together for the next wave of ear-worn computing. Instead, we must bring together experts across a vast range of proficiencies to ensure the end user always has access to the latest technology. They can then select and download new features into their device whenever they need it.” - Gary Spittle, CEO, Sonical
Remora PRO
One of the first products to take advantage of Sonical’s technology is already being developed by Remora, an audio start-up company who are leading the charge on removing cables from professional and high-end consumer audio applications. Their all-new hardware platform, Remora PRO, relies on both CosmOS and Sonical’s Headphone 3.0 platforms to deliver high-quality 24-bit/96kHz audio via an Ultra-Wideband (UWB) wireless connection, promising unparalleled lossless audio with sub-5ms latency figures. Importantly, users are provided with a wide range of configuration through a downloadable CosmOS plug-in, allowing them to personalise the device’s performance to suit their needs.
Remora PRO uses CosmOS to deliver high-quality wireless audio that meets the needs of professional users.
The system can be integrated into a wide range of existing systems thanks to both analogue and USB connectivity, offering a cable-free solution for music producers, live performers, DJs and more. It can be used with any model of headphones, and also offers backwards compatibility with existing wireless audio devices thanks to Bluetooth connectivity. It’s certainly been impressing the pros that have had a chance to check it out, too, with Grammy-winning mix engineer Wez Clarke saying: “I love the fact that I can use the professional headphones I already own, which I've had for years and understand the sound profile of. This level of audio performance goes beyond regular Bluetooth wireless headphones and is truly a cable replacement. More than that, it means I don’t have to throw away my headphones just to get access to the latest technology.”
Another interesting technology made possible by CosmOS comes in the form of HearAngel, a hearing-protection algorithm developed in a collaboration between Sonical and LimitEar. The system employs patented algorithms that were initially designed for the broadcast industry, and allows users to manage the noise levels they’re exposed to when using their headphones in an effort to combat hearing loss. It continuously monitors and records the user’s exposure and listening periods, and generates alerts that help them to make informed decisions about their listening practices — there’s also a feature that allows parents to manage their children's exposure to noise.
You can find out more about Sonical and CosmOS, as well as Remora PRO, via the links below.