Latest news with #ASAF
Tom's Guide
04-08-2025
- Tom's Guide
Apple ASAF audio format explained — meet the new Dolby Atmos rival
AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Max already offer spatial audio when connected to an iOS device playing songs from Apple Music. But that's not all Apple has planned for spatial audio in 2025. At its Worldwide Developers Conference in June, Apple quietly revealed how it plans to improve audio immersion beyond what it already offers on devices like the AirPods — and it all hinges on a new audio format called Apple Spatial Audio Format, or ASAF. You might assume that ASAF is simply a formalization of the spatial audio tech that the Cupertino-based company already offers, but actually, ASAF is a whole different beast. Cutting-edge spatial audio formats like Dolby Atmos don't just play audio around you, but also above you, adding the final piece of the puzzle to what we now call object-based audio, where audio elements can move in a 3D environment. You'd assume that's where immersive audio ends — and if you were to only ever watch content sitting on your couch, it might. ASAF will include all sorts of new data to create a virtual 3D environment that matches the room you're in. But Apple has a different idea: Current object-based audio formats can position objects in 3D space, but not your 3D space. ASAF will include all sorts of new data in its calculations, including the position of the listener and even the acoustics of the room itself to create a virtual 3D environment that matches the room you're in. This all sounds cool in theory, but when would you actually want to take advantage of what ASAF has to offer? Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. There are plenty of examples. The most obvious is when watching a movie using your AirPods: ASAF could make audio appear not just 3D, but as if it's playing in your actual environment, adjusting based on your own movements and your own environment. But, of course, the true purpose of ASAF is perhaps a little more designed for Apple's next big product line — its next Vision headsets. On the Vision Pro, for example, data like your position in a space and what's in that space is more readily available — and as such, ASAF will allow make for a much more immersive experience. You might notice that the concept of ASAF is a little different from the concept of Dolby Atmos. Dolby Atmos and other 3D audio formats are designed to allow for objects to seem as though they're anywhere in your 3D environment, assuming you're in the perfect position on your couch. And, when it comes to watching a movie on your TV, through your Dolby Atmos sound system, that's not changing with ASAF. ASAF can still build on Dolby Atmos. Dolby Atmos audio can be rendered through Apple's new format. But, ASAF can still build on Dolby Atmos. Dolby Atmos audio can be rendered through Apple's new format, which adds some extra 3D tricks to audio, to make it more interactive in an environment where a user might move around with headphones. In some settings, like on the couch with a dedicated sound system, ASAF just isn't necessary — but when you try to replicate the Dolby Atmos experience with headphones and allow a person to move around, it becomes a whole lot more useful. As you might expect, ASAF availability will be limited to Apple's devices — all of its platforms except for watchOS will support the format. Apple has said that all Apple Immersive Video content will be required to adopt APAC though, so it could gain steam reasonably quickly, at least when it comes to content purpose-made for platforms like VisionOS. As for when we'll see that next Apple Vision headset, rumor has it that we'll see not one, but two new of them by the end of 2025 or early 2026. And, when they arrive, ASAF will be there to help them sound even more immersive than their predecessor. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
Borneo Post
02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Sarawak's rising star Taylor Louise shines at Asia Student Arts Festival in London
Taylor receives the Winner Showcase Award from award-winning baritone Jerome Knox during the 10th Anniversary Asia Student Arts Festival (ASAF) at the Britten Theatre, Royal College of Music in London on Aug 1. KUCHING (Aug 2): Sarawakian singing prodigy Taylor Louise has done Malaysia proud after being named the recepient of the Winner Showcase Award at the prestigious 10th Anniversary Asia Student Arts Festival (ASAF), held on Aug 1 at the Britten Theatre, Royal College of Music in London. The 11-year-old from Kuching received the award on stage from acclaimed baritone Jerome Knox during a showcase that brought together top young talents from across Asia and beyond. Taylor, the only Sarawakian Malaysian to be honoured with the award at this milestone event, delivered two standout performances — 'Quiet' from the musical Matilda and her award-winning rendition of 'Easy On Me' by Adele. Her rendition of 'Easy On Me' had earlier earned her top honours at the ASAF International Finals in Hong Kong earlier this year, where she emerged champion in the 'Pop Vocal (10–11 Years Old)' category, outperforming 17 other finalists. With the win, she became the first Sarawakian to clinch the title in that category. The audience at the Britten Theatre was captivated by Taylor's emotional depth, vocal control, and stage presence beyond her years. 'Standing on the stage of the Royal College of Music is a dream come true. I'm so thankful to my family, my coaches, and everyone in Sarawak and Malaysia who believed in me. This award isn't just mine — it belongs to everyone who supported me,' Taylor told The Borneo Post when contacted. Explaining her song choice, Taylor said she selected 'Quiet' from Matilda because its lyrics reflect her personal journey. Taylor holding the Jalur Gemilang among fellow participants from across Asia during the ASAF 10th Anniversary Showcase at the Britten Theatre, Royal College of Music in London. 'The song tells the story of finding inner strength and peace despite all the noise, criticism, and doubt from the outside world. That's something I've gone through too, learning to ignore negativity and focus on what I love, which is performing,' she said. ASAF, established to celebrate and nurture young artistic talents, marked its 10th anniversary with a showcase featuring top winners from both past and current seasons. Taylor earned her place in the London event after winning both the Malaysian preliminary and international final rounds earlier this year. Despite her young age, Taylor already has a growing list of accolades. She won a Gold medal at the World Championship of Performing Arts in Los Angeles and received a Special Mention at the Sanremo Junior World Finals in Italy, where she ranked among the Top 5 globally in her category. Taylor proudly holds the Ibu Pertiwi and Jalur Gemilang flags outside the Royal College of Music in London, where she represented Malaysia at the ASAF 10th Anniversary Showcase. Taylor is currently preparing for her next major appearance in Dreamweaver: The Musical, where she will play the role of Rayna, the youngest member of the cast. The production is set to be staged at the Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre (PJPAC) on Aug 29 and 30, with three shows scheduled over two days. It marks her debut in a full-scale professional theatre production, continuing her rise as one of Sarawak's brightest young talents. lead music performance taylor louise young talent
Borneo Post
28-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Sarawak's Taylor Louise in London for special performing arts showcase
Taylor is accompanied by her vocal coach, Sabrina Tnay. KUCHING (July 28): Sarawak's rising vocal talent Taylor Louise will represent Malaysia at the prestigious 'Asia Students Arts Festival (ASAF) 2025 Winner Showcase'. The 11-year-old from Kuching is set to perform at the Britten Theatre of the Royal College of Music this Aug 1, in conjunction with ASAF's 10th anniversary. The international event brings together outstanding young performers from all across Asia and Australia – each showcasing excellence in music, dance and other performing arts. Taylor made history as the first Sarawakian to win ASAF in her category, the 'Pop Vocal 10-11 Years Old'. 'It still feels like a dream. 'From singing on the streets to performing in London – it's all thanks to God's blessings and everyone who believed in me. 'I'm proud to represent Sarawak and Malaysia,' she told The Borneo Post when met before boarding her flight bound for London today. For the showcase, the Kuchingite will perform two pieces: a musical theatre number, and her award-winning rendition of 'Easy On Me' by Adele – the latter earned the girl top honours at the ASAF International Finals in Hong Kong earlier this year, where she beat the competition from 17 other finalists in her category. Taylor is now in London to represent Sarawak at the ASAF 2025 Winner Showcase. Accompanying Taylor on this journey are her parents and also her vocal coach, Sabrina Tnay. While in London, she will be taking part in the rehearsals, vocal training sessions, and a masterclass led by renowned British baritone Jerome Knox – an alumnus of the Royal College of Music and winner of the London Handel singing competition. Taylor's musical journey began in her home city, where she started busking and performing at open mic sessions at the age of nine. ASAF Hong Kong has confirmed that Taylor is the first Sarawakian ever to win her category, and also the youngest Sarawakian to perform at the Britten Theatre of the Royal College of Music. For updates on her London journey, follow Taylor Louise on Facebook, TikTok (@taylornmama), and Instagram (@taylorlouisebb). performing arts taylor louise vocal prowess
