diff --git a/AudioPlaybackKit/Sources/AudioPlaybackKit/Models/SoundConfiguration.swift b/AudioPlaybackKit/Sources/AudioPlaybackKit/Models/SoundConfiguration.swift
index 0eeb554..3269e98 100644
--- a/AudioPlaybackKit/Sources/AudioPlaybackKit/Models/SoundConfiguration.swift
+++ b/AudioPlaybackKit/Sources/AudioPlaybackKit/Models/SoundConfiguration.swift
@@ -10,10 +10,10 @@ import Foundation
 /// Configuration model for sound system loaded from JSON
 public struct SoundConfiguration: Codable {
     public let sounds: [Sound]
-    public let categories: [SoundCategory]
+    public let categories: [SoundCategory]?
     public let settings: AudioSettings
     
-    public init(sounds: [Sound], categories: [SoundCategory], settings: AudioSettings) {
+    public init(sounds: [Sound], categories: [SoundCategory]? = nil, settings: AudioSettings) {
         self.sounds = sounds
         self.categories = categories
         self.settings = settings
@@ -109,7 +109,7 @@ public class SoundConfigurationService {
     
     /// Get available categories
     public func getAvailableCategories() -> [SoundCategory] {
-        return getConfiguration().categories
+        return getConfiguration().categories ?? []
     }
     
     /// Get audio settings
diff --git a/TheNoiseClock/Models/SoundCategory.swift b/TheNoiseClock/Models/SoundCategory.swift
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..506bf77
--- /dev/null
+++ b/TheNoiseClock/Models/SoundCategory.swift
@@ -0,0 +1,100 @@
+//
+//  SoundCategory.swift
+//  TheNoiseClock
+//
+//  Created by Matt Bruce on 9/8/25.
+//
+
+import Foundation
+
+/// Enum representing sound categories with associated icons, display names, and metadata
+public enum SoundCategory: String, CaseIterable, Identifiable {
+    case all = "all"
+    case colored = "colored"
+    case ambient = "ambient"
+    case nature = "nature"
+    case mechanical = "mechanical"
+    case alarm = "alarm"
+    
+    public var id: String { rawValue }
+    
+    /// Display name for the category
+    public var displayName: String {
+        switch self {
+        case .all: return "All"
+        case .colored: return "Colored"
+        case .ambient: return "Ambient"
+        case .nature: return "Nature"
+        case .mechanical: return "Mechanical"
+        case .alarm: return "Alarm Sounds"
+        }
+    }
+    
+    /// SF Symbol icon name for the category
+    public var icon: String {
+        switch self {
+        case .all: return "speaker.wave.2"
+        case .colored: return "waveform.path"
+        case .ambient: return "waveform"
+        case .nature: return "cloud.rain"
+        case .mechanical: return "fan"
+        case .alarm: return "alarm"
+        }
+    }
+    
+    /// Bundle name for organizing audio files
+    public var bundleName: String? {
+        switch self {
+        case .all: return nil
+        case .colored: return "Colored"
+        case .ambient: return "Ambient"
+        case .nature: return "Nature"
+        case .mechanical: return "Mechanical"
+        case .alarm: return nil
+        }
+    }
+    
+    /// Description of the category
+    public var description: String {
+        switch self {
+        case .all: return "All available sounds"
+        case .colored: return "Synthetic noise signals for focus, sleep, and relaxation"
+        case .ambient: return "General ambient sounds"
+        case .nature: return "Natural environmental sounds"
+        case .mechanical: return "Mechanical and electronic sounds"
+        case .alarm: return "Wake-up and notification alarm sounds"
+        }
+    }
+    
+    /// Preferred sort order for categories (lower number = appears first)
+    public var sortOrder: Int {
+        switch self {
+        case .all: return 0
+        case .colored: return 1
+        case .ambient: return 2
+        case .nature: return 3
+        case .mechanical: return 4
+        case .alarm: return 5
+        }
+    }
+    
+    /// Initialize from string, returning nil if invalid
+    public init?(from string: String) {
+        self.init(rawValue: string)
+    }
+    
+    /// Get all non-alarm categories for noise selection
+    public static var noiseCategories: [SoundCategory] {
+        return [.all, .colored, .ambient, .nature, .mechanical]
+    }
+    
+    /// Get all categories sorted by preferred order
+    public static var sortedCategories: [SoundCategory] {
+        return allCases.sorted { $0.sortOrder < $1.sortOrder }
+    }
+    
+    /// Get noise categories sorted by preferred order
+    public static var sortedNoiseCategories: [SoundCategory] {
+        return noiseCategories.sorted { $0.sortOrder < $1.sortOrder }
+    }
+}
diff --git a/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Ambient.bundle/ambient-waves.mp3 b/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Ambient.bundle/ambient-waves.mp3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d54cff7
Binary files /dev/null and b/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Ambient.bundle/ambient-waves.mp3 differ
diff --git a/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Ambient.bundle/atmospheric-pad.mp3 b/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Ambient.bundle/atmospheric-pad.mp3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e1f86ed
Binary files /dev/null and b/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Ambient.bundle/atmospheric-pad.mp3 differ
diff --git a/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Ambient.bundle/calm-ambient-pad.mp3 b/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Ambient.bundle/calm-ambient-pad.mp3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bc2e3cf
Binary files /dev/null and b/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Ambient.bundle/calm-ambient-pad.mp3 differ
diff --git a/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Ambient.bundle/dark-ambient.mp3 b/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Ambient.bundle/dark-ambient.mp3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..03d4227
Binary files /dev/null and b/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Ambient.bundle/dark-ambient.mp3 differ
diff --git a/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Ambient.bundle/ethereal-ambient.mp3 b/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Ambient.bundle/ethereal-ambient.mp3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8fa682d
Binary files /dev/null and b/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Ambient.bundle/ethereal-ambient.mp3 differ
diff --git a/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Colored.bundle/brown-noise.mp3 b/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Colored.bundle/brown-noise.mp3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..439ca0e
Binary files /dev/null and b/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Colored.bundle/brown-noise.mp3 differ
diff --git a/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Colored.bundle/green-noise.mp3 b/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Colored.bundle/green-noise.mp3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..102d83c
Binary files /dev/null and b/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Colored.bundle/green-noise.mp3 differ
diff --git a/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Colored.bundle/grey-noise.mp3 b/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Colored.bundle/grey-noise.mp3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4c6b4dd
Binary files /dev/null and b/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Colored.bundle/grey-noise.mp3 differ
diff --git a/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Colored.bundle/pink-noise.mp3 b/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Colored.bundle/pink-noise.mp3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..140ede5
Binary files /dev/null and b/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Colored.bundle/pink-noise.mp3 differ
diff --git a/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Ambient.bundle/white-noise.mp3 b/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Colored.bundle/white-noise.mp3
similarity index 100%
rename from TheNoiseClock/Resources/Ambient.bundle/white-noise.mp3
rename to TheNoiseClock/Resources/Colored.bundle/white-noise.mp3
diff --git a/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Mechanical.bundle/air-conditioner-hum.mp3 b/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Mechanical.bundle/air-conditioner-hum.mp3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..30d72eb
Binary files /dev/null and b/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Mechanical.bundle/air-conditioner-hum.mp3 differ
diff --git a/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Mechanical.bundle/clock-ticking.mp3 b/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Mechanical.bundle/clock-ticking.mp3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..446ed43
Binary files /dev/null and b/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Mechanical.bundle/clock-ticking.mp3 differ
diff --git a/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Mechanical.bundle/electric-fan.mp3 b/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Mechanical.bundle/electric-fan.mp3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ec5e686
Binary files /dev/null and b/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Mechanical.bundle/electric-fan.mp3 differ
diff --git a/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Mechanical.bundle/engine-idling.mp3 b/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Mechanical.bundle/engine-idling.mp3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ca2ecda
Binary files /dev/null and b/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Mechanical.bundle/engine-idling.mp3 differ
diff --git a/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Mechanical.bundle/fan-white-noise-heater.mp3 b/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Mechanical.bundle/fan-heater.mp3
similarity index 100%
rename from TheNoiseClock/Resources/Mechanical.bundle/fan-white-noise-heater.mp3
rename to TheNoiseClock/Resources/Mechanical.bundle/fan-heater.mp3
diff --git a/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Nature.bundle/crickets-night.mp3 b/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Nature.bundle/crickets-night.mp3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3778cb4
Binary files /dev/null and b/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Nature.bundle/crickets-night.mp3 differ
diff --git a/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Nature.bundle/distant-thunderstorm.mp3 b/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Nature.bundle/distant-thunderstorm.mp3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..eb583f4
Binary files /dev/null and b/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Nature.bundle/distant-thunderstorm.mp3 differ
diff --git a/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Nature.bundle/forest-ambience.mp3 b/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Nature.bundle/forest-ambience.mp3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6196300
Binary files /dev/null and b/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Nature.bundle/forest-ambience.mp3 differ
diff --git a/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Nature.bundle/heavy-rain-white-noise.mp3 b/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Nature.bundle/heavy-rain.mp3
similarity index 100%
rename from TheNoiseClock/Resources/Nature.bundle/heavy-rain-white-noise.mp3
rename to TheNoiseClock/Resources/Nature.bundle/heavy-rain.mp3
diff --git a/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Nature.bundle/ocean-waves.mp3 b/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Nature.bundle/ocean-waves.mp3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1a45632
Binary files /dev/null and b/TheNoiseClock/Resources/Nature.bundle/ocean-waves.mp3 differ
diff --git a/TheNoiseClock/Resources/alarm-sounds.json b/TheNoiseClock/Resources/alarm-sounds.json
index 6c0bc11..e8157e8 100644
--- a/TheNoiseClock/Resources/alarm-sounds.json
+++ b/TheNoiseClock/Resources/alarm-sounds.json
@@ -42,14 +42,6 @@
       "bundleName": null
     }
   ],
-  "categories": [
-    {
-      "id": "alarm",
-      "name": "Alarm Sounds",
-      "description": "Wake-up and notification alarm sounds",
-      "bundleName": null
-    }
-  ],
   "settings": {
     "defaultVolume": 1.0,
     "defaultLoopCount": -1,
diff --git a/TheNoiseClock/Resources/sounds.json b/TheNoiseClock/Resources/sounds.json
index e10dddd..ed46118 100644
--- a/TheNoiseClock/Resources/sounds.json
+++ b/TheNoiseClock/Resources/sounds.json
@@ -4,45 +4,164 @@
       "id": "white-noise",
       "name": "White Noise",
       "fileName": "white-noise.mp3",
-      "category": "ambient",
-      "description": "Classic white noise for focus and relaxation",
-      "bundleName": "Ambient"
+      "category": "colored",
+      "description": "Classic white noise with equal energy across frequencies for focus and relaxation",
+      "bundleName": "Colored"
+    },
+    {
+      "id": "pink-noise",
+      "name": "Pink Noise",
+      "fileName": "pink-noise.mp3",
+      "category": "colored",
+      "description": "Soft, warm noise resembling steady rain, ideal for relaxation",
+      "bundleName": "Colored",
+      "sourceUrl": "https://freesound.org/search/?q=pink+noise+loop"
+    },
+    {
+      "id": "brown-noise",
+      "name": "Brown Noise",
+      "fileName": "brown-noise.mp3",
+      "category": "colored",
+      "description": "Deep, rumbling noise like distant thunder, great for deep sleep",
+      "bundleName": "Colored"
+    },
+    {
+      "id": "green-noise",
+      "name": "Green Noise",
+      "fileName": "green-noise.mp3",
+      "category": "colored",
+      "description": "Mid-range noise resembling rustling leaves, soothing and nature-like",
+      "bundleName": "Colored"
+    },
+    {
+      "id": "grey-noise",
+      "name": "Grey Noise",
+      "fileName": "grey-noise.mp3",
+      "category": "colored",
+      "description": "Balanced noise adjusted for human hearing, perfect for calm focus",
+      "bundleName": "Colored"
     },
     {
       "id": "heavy-rain",
-      "name": "Heavy Rain White Noise",
-      "fileName": "heavy-rain-white-noise.mp3",
+      "name": "Heavy Rain",
+      "fileName": "heavy-rain.mp3",
       "category": "nature",
       "description": "Heavy rainfall sounds for peaceful sleep",
       "bundleName": "Nature"
     },
     {
-      "id": "fan-noise",
-      "name": "Fan White Noise",
-      "fileName": "fan-white-noise-heater.mp3",
-      "category": "mechanical",
-      "description": "Fan and heater sounds for consistent background noise",
-      "bundleName": "Mechanical"
-    }
-  ],
-  "categories": [
-    {
-      "id": "ambient",
-      "name": "Ambient",
-      "description": "General ambient sounds",
-      "bundleName": "Ambient"
-    },
-    {
-      "id": "nature",
-      "name": "Nature",
-      "description": "Natural environmental sounds",
+      "id": "ocean-waves",
+      "name": "Ocean Waves",
+      "fileName": "ocean-waves.mp3",
+      "category": "nature",
+      "description": "Gentle waves crashing on the shore for relaxation",
       "bundleName": "Nature"
     },
     {
-      "id": "mechanical",
-      "name": "Mechanical",
-      "description": "Mechanical and electronic sounds",
+      "id": "forest-ambience",
+      "name": "Forest Ambience",
+      "fileName": "forest-ambience.mp3",
+      "category": "nature",
+      "description": "Calm forest sounds with birds and wind for nature lovers",
+      "bundleName": "Nature"
+    },
+    {
+      "id": "fan-noise",
+      "name": "Fan Heater",
+      "fileName": "fan-heater.mp3",
+      "category": "mechanical",
+      "description": "Fan and heater sounds for consistent background noise",
       "bundleName": "Mechanical"
+    },
+    {
+      "id": "air-conditioner",
+      "name": "Air Conditioner Hum",
+      "fileName": "air-conditioner-hum.mp3",
+      "category": "mechanical",
+      "description": "Steady hum of an air conditioner for focus or sleep",
+      "bundleName": "Mechanical"
+    },
+    {
+      "id": "ambient-pad",
+      "name": "Atmospheric Pad",
+      "fileName": "atmospheric-pad.mp3",
+      "category": "ambient",
+      "description": "Soothing atmospheric drone for meditation or focus",
+      "bundleName": "Ambient",
+      "sourceUrl": "https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/search/ambient%20drone/"
+    },
+    {
+      "id": "calm-pad",
+      "name": "Calm Ambient Pad",
+      "fileName": "calm-ambient-pad.mp3",
+      "category": "ambient",
+      "description": "Soft, warm ambient pad for deep relaxation",
+      "bundleName": "Ambient",
+      "sourceUrl": "https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/search/ambient%20pad/"
+    }, 
+    {
+      "id": "dark-ambient",
+      "name": "Dark Ambient Atmosphere",
+      "fileName": "dark-ambient.mp3",
+      "category": "ambient",
+      "description": "A moody, atmospheric soundscape with deep tones, ideal for introspection or creative focus.",
+      "bundleName": "Ambient"
+    }, 
+    {
+      "id": "ethereal-ambient",
+      "name": "Ethereal Ambient Soundscape",
+      "fileName": "ethereal-ambient.mp3",
+      "category": "ambient",
+      "description": "A dreamy, ethereal sound with delicate tones, perfect for relaxation or spiritual practices.",
+      "bundleName": "Ambient"
+    },
+    {
+      "id": "ambient-waves",
+      "name": "Ambient Waves",
+      "fileName": "ambient-waves.mp3",
+      "category": "ambient",
+      "description": "A smooth, wave-like ambient sound, evoking a sense of calm flow. Ideal for meditation or focus.",
+      "bundleName": "Ambient"
+    },
+    {
+      "id": "clock-ticking",
+      "name": "Clock Ticking Mechanism",
+      "fileName": "clock-ticking.mp3",
+      "category": "mechanical",
+      "description": "The rhythmic ticking of a clock, providing a consistent, hypnotic sound for focus or relaxation.",
+      "bundleName": "Mechanical"
+    },
+    {
+      "id": "electric-fan",
+      "name": "Electric Fan Whirring",
+      "fileName": "electric-fan.mp3",
+      "category": "mechanical",
+      "description": "The steady whir of an electric fan, creating a monotonous sound for sleep or concentration.",
+      "bundleName": "Mechanical"
+    },
+    {
+      "id": "engine-idling",
+      "name": "Engine Idling",
+      "fileName": "engine-idling.mp3",
+      "category": "mechanical",
+      "description": "A low, steady engine idle, offering a deep hum for background noise or relaxation.",
+      "bundleName": "Mechanical"
+    },
+    {
+      "id": "crickets-night",
+      "name": "Crickets at Night",
+      "fileName": "crickets-night.mp3",
+      "category": "nature",
+      "description": "The rhythmic chirping of crickets under a night sky, perfect for calming sleep.",
+      "bundleName": "Nature"
+    },
+    {
+      "id": "distant-thunderstorm",
+      "name": "Distant Thunderstorm",
+      "fileName": "distant-thunderstorm.mp3",
+      "category": "nature",
+      "description": "Soft thunder and rain in the distance, creating a soothing, stormy ambiance.",
+      "bundleName": "Nature"
     }
   ],
   "settings": {
diff --git a/TheNoiseClock/Services/AlarmSoundService.swift b/TheNoiseClock/Services/AlarmSoundService.swift
index 5de9d3c..26485b6 100644
--- a/TheNoiseClock/Services/AlarmSoundService.swift
+++ b/TheNoiseClock/Services/AlarmSoundService.swift
@@ -56,8 +56,8 @@ class AlarmSoundService {
     }
     
     /// Get alarm sound categories
-    func getAlarmSoundCategories() -> [SoundCategory] {
-        return loadAlarmConfiguration().categories
+    func getAlarmSoundCategories() -> [TheNoiseClock.SoundCategory] {
+        return [.alarm]
     }
     
     /// Get alarm sound settings
diff --git a/TheNoiseClock/Views/Noise/Components/SoundCategoryView.swift b/TheNoiseClock/Views/Noise/Components/SoundCategoryView.swift
index fd561f6..95e04ec 100644
--- a/TheNoiseClock/Views/Noise/Components/SoundCategoryView.swift
+++ b/TheNoiseClock/Views/Noise/Components/SoundCategoryView.swift
@@ -14,56 +14,56 @@ struct SoundCategoryView: View {
     // MARK: - Properties
     let sounds: [Sound]
     @Binding var selectedSound: Sound?
-    @State private var selectedCategory: String = "all"
+    @State private var selectedCategory: SoundCategory = .all
     @State private var searchText: String = ""
     @State private var viewModel = SoundViewModel()
     
     // MARK: - Computed Properties
     private var filteredSounds: [Sound] {
-        let nonAlarmSounds = sounds.filter { $0.category != "alarm" }
+        let nonAlarmSounds = sounds.filter { $0.category != SoundCategory.alarm.rawValue }
         
-        let categoryFiltered = selectedCategory == "all" 
+        let categoryFiltered = selectedCategory == .all 
             ? nonAlarmSounds 
-            : nonAlarmSounds.filter { $0.category == selectedCategory }
+            : nonAlarmSounds.filter { $0.category == selectedCategory.rawValue }
         
-        if searchText.isEmpty {
-            return categoryFiltered
+        let searchFiltered = if searchText.isEmpty {
+            categoryFiltered
         } else {
-            return categoryFiltered.filter { sound in
+            categoryFiltered.filter { sound in
                 sound.name.localizedCaseInsensitiveContains(searchText) ||
                 sound.description.localizedCaseInsensitiveContains(searchText)
             }
         }
+        
+        // Sort sounds alphabetically by name
+        return searchFiltered.sorted { $0.name.localizedCaseInsensitiveCompare($1.name) == .orderedAscending }
     }
     
     // MARK: - Helper Methods
-    private func getCategoryCount(for category: String) -> Int {
-        let nonAlarmSounds = sounds.filter { $0.category != "alarm" }
+    private func getCategoryCount(for category: SoundCategory) -> Int {
+        let nonAlarmSounds = sounds.filter { $0.category != SoundCategory.alarm.rawValue }
         
-        if category == "all" {
+        if category == .all {
             return nonAlarmSounds.count
         } else {
-            return nonAlarmSounds.filter { $0.category == category }.count
+            return nonAlarmSounds.filter { $0.category == category.rawValue }.count
         }
     }
     
-    private var categories: [String] {
-        let nonAlarmSounds = sounds.filter { $0.category != "alarm" }
-        let uniqueCategories = Set(nonAlarmSounds.map { $0.category })
-        return ["all"] + Array(uniqueCategories).sorted()
+    private var categories: [SoundCategory] {
+        let nonAlarmSounds = sounds.filter { $0.category != SoundCategory.alarm.rawValue }
+        let uniqueCategoryStrings = Set(nonAlarmSounds.map { $0.category })
+        
+        // Convert string categories to enum cases and filter out invalid ones
+        let validCategories = uniqueCategoryStrings.compactMap { SoundCategory(from: $0) }
+        
+        // Always include "All" and filter other categories based on available sounds
+        let allCategories = [SoundCategory.all] + validCategories
+        
+        // Return sorted categories using the enum's sort order
+        return SoundCategory.sortedNoiseCategories.filter { allCategories.contains($0) }
     }
     
-    private var categoryDisplayName: (String) -> String {
-        return { category in
-            switch category {
-            case "all": return "All"
-            case "ambient": return "Ambient"
-            case "nature": return "Nature"
-            case "mechanical": return "Mechanical"
-            default: return category.capitalized
-            }
-        }
-    }
     
     // MARK: - Body
     var body: some View {
@@ -103,9 +103,9 @@ struct SoundCategoryView: View {
     private var categoryTabs: some View {
         ScrollView(.horizontal, showsIndicators: false) {
             HStack(spacing: UIConstants.Spacing.small) {
-                ForEach(categories, id: \.self) { category in
+                ForEach(categories) { category in
                     CategoryTab(
-                        title: categoryDisplayName(category),
+                        title: category.displayName,
                         isSelected: selectedCategory == category,
                         count: getCategoryCount(for: category)
                     ) {
@@ -252,16 +252,7 @@ struct SoundCard: View {
     }
     
     private var soundIcon: String {
-        switch sound.category {
-        case "ambient":
-            return "waveform"
-        case "nature":
-            return "cloud.rain"
-        case "mechanical":
-            return "fan"
-        default:
-            return "speaker.wave.2"
-        }
+        return SoundCategory(from: sound.category)?.icon ?? "speaker.wave.2"
     }
 }