Augmented auditory reality: A smarter way to hear

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• November 16, 2021

The evolution of personal audio technology has transformed how we consume sound. Augmented auditory reality is poised to redefine our auditory experiences, offering immersive, personalized soundscapes that extend beyond music to language translation, gaming, and even customer service. However, as this technology becomes more prevalent, it raises important questions about privacy, digital rights, and the potential for a digital divide, underscoring the need for thoughtful regulation and inclusive design.

Augmented auditory reality context

The invention of the portable cassette player in 1979 was a significant milestone in personal audio technology. It allowed individuals to enjoy music privately, a shift that was seen as socially disruptive at the time. In the 2010s, we saw the advent of wireless earphones, a technology that has since evolved at a rapid pace. Manufacturers have been in a constant race to improve and refine these devices, leading to models that are not only increasingly compact but also capable of delivering high-quality, surround-system sound.

Earphones could potentially serve as a conduit for immersive experiences in the metaverse, providing users with augmented auditory experiences that go beyond just listening to music. This feature could include personalized health updates or even immersive audio experiences for gaming and entertainment. 

The evolution of earphone technology doesn't stop at just delivering high-quality sound. Some manufacturers are exploring the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) into these devices. Earphones equipped with AI could provide real-time language translation, making it easier for people from different linguistic backgrounds to communicate. Similarly, AR could provide visual cues or directions to a worker in a complex task, with the instructions delivered through the earphones.

Disruptive impact

US-based startup PairPlay developed an application where two people can share earpods and engage in a guided auditory role-playing adventure. This technology could be extended to other forms of entertainment, such as interactive audiobooks or immersive language learning experiences. For instance, language learners could be guided through a virtual foreign city, with their earphones providing real-time translations of ambient conversations, enhancing their language acquisition process.

For businesses, augmented auditory reality could open up new avenues for customer engagement and service delivery. Take the example of Facebook Reality Labs' research into audio presence and enhanced hearing tech. This technology could be used in customer service scenarios, where virtual assistants provide real-time, immersive support to customers. Imagine a scenario where a customer is assembling a piece of furniture. The AR-enabled earphones could provide step-by-step instructions, adjusting the guidance based on the customer's progress. However, businesses would need to tread carefully to avoid intrusive advertising, which could lead to consumer backlash.

On a larger scale, governments and public institutions could leverage augmented auditory reality to enhance public services. For example, Microsoft Research's work on using sensors to adjust environmental sounds based on head position could be used in public safety applications. Emergency services could use this technology to provide real-time, directional guidance to individuals in emergency situations.

Implications of augmented auditory reality

Wider implications of augmented auditory reality may include:

• Audio-based guided tours where wearers would be able to experience the sounds of a location such as church bells, and bar and restaurant noises.
• Virtual reality gaming where augmented auditory audio would enhance the digital environment.
• Specialized virtual assistants that could better give directions or identify items for the visually impaired.
• The integration of augmented auditory reality in social networking could redefine how we interact, leading to the creation of immersive virtual communities where communication is not just text or video-based but also includes spatial audio experiences.
• Increased investment in research and development and the creation of new businesses centered around AR auditory technonology, including the development of more sophisticated sensors, better sound processing algorithms, and more energy-efficient devices.
• Political debates and policy-making around digital rights and auditory privacy, leading to new regulations that balance technological advancement with individual rights.
• As augmented auditory reality becomes more prevalent, it could influence demographic trends, leading to a digital divide where those with access to this technology have distinct advantages in learning and communication over those who do not.
• New job roles such as AR sound designers or experience curators.

Questions to consider

• How else do you think audio augmented reality could change day to day life?
• What other headphone features could enhance your hearing or listening experience?