Download Front Row (Mac) – Download Free

Apple’s spatial audio technology has been around for a while, long enough to expect more support for it from popular third-party desktop players. However, things are moving slower than expected, with apps like IINA still unable to play spatial audio.

front row is a very, very simple video player with a clear goal: to provide a QuickTime alternative for users who want to play HDR or spatial audio videos but don’t like Apple’s default player or its shortcuts.

This app was created with AVKit, and as you’d expect, it supports spatial audio. If you have any videos that contain HDR content or spatial audio, you will be able to play them in Front Row and get the best viewing experience.

Although HDR support is more widespread, Apple’s 3D audio technology is still used by many third-party players, such as the popular IINA. Until then, this player should serve as an alternative, although its minimalist design makes it a viable option beyond that.

When it comes to what the app actually does, there’s not much to say. You have a basic player window with the standard controls at the bottom. The arrow keys allow you to skip forward and rewind five seconds, and the window can be configured to float above other applications.

Beyond that, Front Row has no other features and no settings or hotkeys to configure. The app is intentionally simple, serving only as a tool for playing HDR and spatial audio videos.

If we judge by its intended purpose, Front Row works well. It remains to be seen whether the player will be improved or expanded, but if not, it’s a great way to play content that isn’t supported by your favorite video player.