27th January 2023.
Microsoft has announced the popular mobility app, Microsoft Soundscape is no
longer available for download. Existing downloads of the app will work until
the end of June 2023.
Microsoft Soundscape explored the use of innovative audio-based technology
to enable people to build a richer awareness of their surroundings, thus
becoming more confident to get around. NCBI partnered with Microsoft Ireland
in August 2021 to launch the app in Ireland which has since become an
important navigation tool for many blind and vision impaired users
internationally.
Unlike step-by-step navigation apps, Soundscape was unique in its use of 3D
audio cues to enrich ambient awareness and provided a new way to relate to
the environment. It provided comfort in unfamiliar spaces, supporting
individuals in making mental maps and personal route choices.
Since Microsoft's announcement that the app has reached its conclusion,
Soundscape has since been released as open-source software (For more
information visit:
https://aka.ms/ossblog).
NCBI has engaged with Microsoft to express our concerns and frustrations at
its decision. We know it gave users confidence to navigate in the community
independently. The decision actually goes entirely against its own mission
to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve
more.
It ignores the significant impact it will have on the future mobility
outcomes for people who are blind or vision impaired. NCBI is also working
towards providing continuity of service for existing users after June 2023
and in collaboration with others are investigating future options for the
app when Microsoft steps back completely.
If you are an existing user of the Soundscape app you can provide feedback
directly to Microsoft until the end of June at:
jennylf@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:jennylf@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> .
The team will continue to focus on bug fixes and repairing service
disruptions during this time.
If you are an existing user of the Soundscape app and require mobility
support around these changes please email:
hello@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:hello@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> .
NCBI Press Releases & Blogs.
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