Microsoft Soundscape was a project from Microsoft Research that explored the use of innovative audio-based technology to enable people to build a richer awareness of their surroundings, thus becoming more confident and empowered to get around. Microsoft discontinued Soundscape and made it open-source. VoiceVista is licensed under the MIT License to continue providing the service to blind and vision impaired community.
The VoiceVista app leverages advanced iOS audio technology and precise location services to empower individuals in developing a heightened sense of their environment. It offers reassurance in unfamiliar settings, assisting users in forming mental maps and confidently navigating their desired routes.
VoiceVista provided information about your surroundings with synthesized binaural audio, creating the effect of 3D sound. It ran in the background in conjunction with navigation or other applications to provide you with additional context about the environment. Your phone, in hand or in pocket, tracked movement using location and activity sensors, and let you move toward a self-set audio beacon. Soundscape ran on iPhone SE, iPhone 6S or later and was compatible with most wired or Bluetooth stereo headsets.
For more information on how the app works and how your data is used and protected, please review the service terms and privacy policy:
Core technologies to implement the features: