Finnish companies publish world’s first 3D audio children’s book

The three-part series, What Do the Animals Say?, is available in so-called binaural sound. In short, binaural sound is stereo audio recorded with two microphones and it allows listeners to experience vivid 3D soundscapes without special equipment using standard headphones. Currently, the audiobooks are only available in Finnish, but English versions are expected in April.

Immersive audio technology makes various animal sounds, forest rustles and cracklings in the books appear near or far, left or right or move around the listener. This mimics how we would hear sounds in real life. 

The trio behind the series, publishing house Into Kustannus, sound equipment specialist Genelec and audiobook studio Silencio, have been collaborating on immersive audio since spring 2023, when their first 3D audiobook, What Does the Bear Say?, was published. Since then two other books, What Does the Lion Say? and What Does the Cat Say?, written by Vuokko Hurme,have been added to the series along with the binaural technology.

Widely used in films, games and music, immersive sound has recently begun to appear in the audiobook market. For example, Amazon-owned Audible has published books for adults featuring 3D sound technology. 

Siamäk Naghian, CEO of Genelec, expects the popularity of the technology to grow only further. He calls immersive audio one of the most important steps in the history of producing and reproducing multidimensional sound.

“The rise of immersive sound will significantly affect various art forms. It will also revolutionise the production methods of audiobooks and the experience they provide to people,” Naghian stated. "We are excited to be at the forefront of this development with Into Kustannus, opening up new possibilities for people and literature. This is a significant international opening, and we look forward to seeing what kind of new worlds it will soon create.”