THD Podcast 135 - Remora Is a Headphone 3.0 Platform Enabling Customization w/ Apps for Headphones, Hearing AI

The Total Harmonic Discussion / the THD Podcast. A weekly discussion on audio and headphone technologies and the people who bring the technology to market.In episode 135 of the THD Podcast, Gary Spittle from Sonical joins to tell us about his Remora project. Remora PRO is a first-of-its-kind "head-worn computing platform" designed by Sonical to transform existing headphones into intelligent, programmable devices—a concept the company calls Headphone 3.0. It is primarily an external wireless accessory that adds high-fidelity, ultra-low-latency connectivity and app-based customization to traditional wired or wireless headphones. Core TechnologyUltra-Wideband (UWB) Wireless: Unlike standard Bluetooth, Remora PRO uses UWB to deliver uncompressed, lossless audio (up to 24-bit/96kHz) with imperceptible latency of less than 5ms.CosmOS Operating System: It runs on Sonical's CosmOS, a dedicated "operating system for the ear" that allows users to download third-party plugins and apps directly onto the hardware.Audio Hardware: The device features a THX Achromatic Audio Amplifier (THX AAA™) for ultra-low distortion, an ESS Sabre DAC, and an XMOS USB interface.BodyWave™ Antenna: To prevent the signal dropouts common with wearable UWB tech, it incorporates AntennaWare's BodyWave technology, ensuring a stable link even when blocked by the user's body. Key Features & Use CasesCustomizable Audio: Through the CosmOS platform, users can add features like personalized EQ profiles, spatial audio rendering, and hearing protection.Health & Wellness: It supports advanced health algorithms, including tinnitus sound therapy (developed with Newcastle University) and HearAngel smart hearing safeguarding.Universal Compatibility: It can attach to any pair of headphones and connect to sources via analog, USB, or Bluetooth.Professional Focus: Targeted at DJs, audio engineers, and gamers who require the reliability of a wired connection with the freedom of wireless. Availability & PricingEstimated Price: Approximately USD $949 / £759 / €890 for the complete system (wearable unit and UWB dongle). Status: As of early 2026, the product is in trial manufacturing at the Sony UK Technology Centre in Wales to prepare for large-scale productionCheck out the podcast on @YouTube @Spotify @amazonmusic @iHeartRadio @RumbleVideo @Apple @GoogleThanks to Barry Vogel and the ALTI Audio & Loudspeaker Technologies International for their support as well!Thanks to AudioXpress for their support on this episode as well!#audioengineering #acoustics #simulation Please like, subscribe, share, and comment with your feedback! Enjoy the podcast!Support the podcast on our Patreon page: www.patreon.com/THDPodcastwww.db-ent.comlinkedin.com/in/[email protected]/HF6NF3fcwww.sonical.ailinkedin.com/company/sonical-incwww.totalharmonicdiscussion.com