All Windows 8 hardware will now have audio support provided by one of the most well known companies in the business. Dolby announced today it has signed a deal with Microsoft so that Windows 8 desktops, laptops and tablets will use the Dolby Digital Plus surround sound audio codec. Dolby Digital Plus will be supported for both desktop and Metro-style apps and also for Windows 8 x86 and Windows 8 ARM-based machines.
Tami Reller, Microsoft's Chief Financial Officer and Chief Marketing Officer for Windows and Windows Live, stated in the press release:
With the incredible growth of online download and streaming media, particularly for video content, this agreement ensures a great audio experience for those consumers who wish to download or stream TV and movies containing Dolby Digital Plus. Additionally, all of their existing and future home videos recorded with Dolby Digital Plus audio will work great on Windows 8 right out of the box.
AllThingsD.com reports that Dolby will receive a licensing fee and royalties from PC makers that use Dolby Digital Plus for Windows 8, with a higher royalty rate for PCs that have an optical disc drive. No other financial details about the new deal were disclosed.
30 Comments - Add comment