Soundscape - a new Microsoft application that helps to see "by listening"
A few days ago, in Australia, a new application from Microsoft, which helps blind and visually impaired people navigate in the city, has appeared. The Soundscape application was launched in February this year in the US and UK and is now available for residents of Oz.
Soundscape uses 3D audio and location awareness to provide users with information about their surroundings to help build a mental map of what’s around them. By setting an audio beacon on a chosen destination or a familiar landmark, a user will always be able to keep track of where that location is as they make their way there. The app will also call out roads, intersections, and landmarks as a user walks past.
Soundscape works for free for iOS and iPhone.
The intention of Soundscape is not to replace aids such as a dog guide or cane, but to enable a user to more naturally and intuitively connect with their environment without disrupting their ability to attend to other tasks, activities, or interactions with other people.
There are four million Australians who live with disabilities and 384,000 Australians who are blind or have no vision.
Before running it was tested by members of the public organization of blind and visually impaired Vision Australia, who provided developers with feedback and suggestions for the application. Among the additions that Microsoft made at the request of Australian users was the function of adding personal "beacons", which are not provided on maps: for example, the sign of the entrance to the building or park, the signs of traffic lights with pedestrian buttons or a favorite cafe.
According to the World Health Organization, 1 billion people on the planet have a disability. In the next 5 years, Microsoft will invest $ 25 million in developing accessible technologies. Other IT companies are also developing products that can make life easier for people with disabilities. For example, in May, Google announced the creation of a Lookout application, also designed to help blind and visually impaired to navigate in cities.