Sonical, a pioneering audio technology company and the driving force behind Headphone 3.0 and smart audio products, has announced a strategic partnership with Paul Watson and Rian Zoll-Khan, co-founders of Headliner Group, appointing them as strategic advisors.
Their extensive experience and connections in the music and audio industry will support the company's mission to revolutionise personal audio through its groundbreaking CosmOS technology.
Sonical’s CosmOS platform is redefining the possibilities of personal audio by providing an open and intelligent operating system for hearables and other smart audio devices. As the industry moves towards more personalised, adaptive listening experiences, CosmOS enables developers to create software-driven solutions that offer users unprecedented control over how they interact with sound, from music and gaming to assistive audio applications.
Watson and Zoll-Khan bring decades of experience in music, media, and technology. As co-founders of Headliner Group, a globally respected publication and platform dedicated to professional audio and music industry innovation, they have strong relationships with artists, producers, and audio professionals. Their strategic guidance will assist Sonical’s mission to help people, by ensuring its technology is embraced by key players in the music and entertainment sectors.
"It's not very often you get to be part of a hugely disruptive technology like Sonical's CosmOS," said Watson. "What excites me most is the potential to transform how we experience audio. CosmOS isn't just another incremental upgrade – it's a fundamental reimagining of personal audio technology. The ability to give users complete control over their listening experience, whether it's music, gaming, or everyday sound, is truly revolutionary. We are excited to be involved in a technology that could redefine how we interact with sound and help the people that need it most."
Personalised sound therapy is increasingly recognised for its benefits in improving mental wellness. People have long turned to music for its calming effects, whether to help them relax, sleep, focus on tasks, or energise for a big event.
These soundscapes can be particularly beneficial for the neurodiverse community, offering a way to engage with sound in a way that promotes focus, relaxation, or emotional regulation. The inclusion of personal spatial audio within this therapy brings an even deeper level of immersion, creating 3D sound environments that can enhance the therapeutic benefits. By tailoring the sound experience to the listener's preferences and needs, Sonical’s CosmOS technology can unlock the potential for greater emotional well-being, helping users to achieve a more profound sense of calm, concentration, or stimulation, depending on their goals.
Zoll-Khan echoed this enthusiasm, emphasising the impact of bringing music industry expertise to Sonical’s vision: "Audio technology has always played a vital role in shaping how music is created and experienced. With CosmOS, Sonical is opening up an entirely new world of possibilities for both artists and listeners. By connecting the music industry with this innovative platform, we can help bridge the gap between creativity and technology, empowering artists to engage with audiences in unprecedented ways. I'm excited to be part of this journey and to help Sonical bring its vision to the forefront of the industry."
The appointment of Watson and Zoll-Khan reinforces Sonical’s commitment to fostering innovation at the intersection of music and technology, ensuring that its solutions are designed with both creators and listeners in mind. With their expertise and connections, Sonical is positioned to make CosmOS the go-to platform for the next generation of smart audio experiences.
Gary Spittle, CEO of Sonical, expressed his excitement about the partnership: "We are extremely pleased to be working with the music industry powerhouse Headliner to bring Sonical's technology to more audio professionals. Paul and Rian's strategic insights and extensive network in the audio ecosystem will be instrumental in accelerating our mission to create a more immersive, personalised audio experience. Their appointment as strategic advisors represents a significant milestone for Sonical, providing us with unparalleled guidance as we continue to push the boundaries of what's possible with our ears."