Sony's 360 Reality Audio format to launch in autumn with 1000 tracks

Sony's 360 Reality Audio format to launch this Autumn with 1000 tracks

(Image credit: Sony)

We've been waiting for more details on 360 Reality Audio ever since the object-based audio format was unveiled at CES earlier this year, and the Japanese giant has just dropped some major news.

You'll finally be able to enjoy 360 Reality Audio when it launches this autumn. Sony claims you'll be able to stream over 1000 tracks in the format, from artists such as Mark Ronson, Pharrell Williams, Billy Joel and Jeff Beck.

Sony's promising more tracks will be added via major record labels plus over 100 songs recorded from live concerts held by the likes of CHARLI XCX and Kodaline.

There's also no word on whether listening in this format will cost extra, but the small print on the press release does say you'll need a paid subscription. So, if you're using Deezer Free, you'll need to make the switch to a paid tier before you can completely immerse yourself.

In addition to software, to actually listen to 360 Reality Audio you'll need compatible hardware too.

If you own select Sony headphones compatible with the company's Headphone Connect app you'll be able to enjoy a custom soundfield, optimised via the headphones for the user.

Sony's also said it's looking to make 360 Reality Audio available across a number of future Alexa devices and those that support Google Chromecast built-in, although all hardware will still need a decoder built-in. It's also working with chipset manufactures Media Tek I, NXP Semiconductors and Qualcomm and has partnered with the Fraunhofer IIS to open up its format to music creators and artists alike.

Andy is Deputy Editor of What Hi-Fi? and a consumer electronics journalist with nearly 20 years of experience writing news, reviews and features. Over the years he's also contributed to a number of other outlets, including The Sunday Times, the BBC, Stuff, and BA High Life Magazine. Premium wireless earbuds are his passion but he's also keen on car tech and in-car audio systems and can often be found cruising the countryside testing the latest set-ups. In his spare time Andy is a keen golfer and gamer.