Beatnik has played a key role in the development of the XMF subsequent Mobile XMF specification working with a number of industry leaders in the mobile handset and technology markets. Based in part on Beatnik’s proprietary Rich Music Format architecture, XMF is an open standard architecture providing a container in which to wrap and securely deliver multiple audio types in a single file.

With Mobile XMF, SP-MIDI music can be combined with digitally recorded custom samples (as Mobile DLS instruments) providing a richer audio experience for end users. Instead of delivering generic polyphonic ringtones constrained by the 128 instrument bank specified by general MIDI, Mobile XMF supports playback of Mobile DLS instruments for an infinite number of downloadable sound possibilities.

Practical applications for this technology abound. Instead of users listening to voiceless pop music ringers, voice samples of the pop artist can be included in the same file. Mobile game soundtrack audio can include original instrumentation and real-time effects. As multimedia messaging continues its successful rollout, XMF can be adapted to include multiple media types, including text and graphics, making it a great vehicle for MMS delivery.

XMF not only benefits end users, it also provides security and file metadata giving content publishers and distributors the flexibility to encrypt content and provide valuable data about copyrights, licensing terms, and composers.

You can now create your own Mobile XMF files, as well as SP-MIDI, with Beatnik's Mobile Sound Builder. Click here to learn more about it!

For more information on the eXtensible Music Format specification, please visit the MIDI Manufacturers Association or contact Beatnik, Inc. here.