NCBI PRESS RELEASE. 3rd August 2021 - Microsoft today announced the launch
of Soundscape in Ireland, an app that has been designed to enable people to
explore the world around them through a 3D experience.
The Microsoft Soundscape app uses innovative audio-based technology to
enable people to build a richer awareness of their surroundings, thus
becoming more confident and independent when moving around their town, city
or local area.
Unlike step-by-step navigation apps, Soundscape uses 3D audio cues that help
build a mental map of their surrounding and provides a new way for people to
relate to their environment. We have found that people use Soundscape in a
number of different and creative ways! Recently, we came across an example
of a group of 11 year old students using Soundscape to create a heritage
trail of historical sites in their town. With Soundscape, they created a 3D
spatial audio experience from one landmark to another and as the trail
unfolded more and more of the town's history was revealed to the user.
In another example of how Soundscape can assist users in navigating their
environment, Microsoft has been collaborating with NCBI (National Council
for the Blind in Ireland) to test the Soundscape app locally. Over the past
year, mobility specialists at NCBI have been working directly with service
users to help them use the app and provide feedback on its impact on their
daily lives.
One such user is Michael Leahy, a 38-year-old native of Dublin, who has used
the Microsoft Soundscape app to build up his confidence in travelling
independently and getting back into work after losing his sight just 18
months ago.
Speaking about the impact of Soundscape, Michael Leahy said: "When I lost my
vision, my world was turned upside down. I didn't know what to do or how to
move forward. I was losing my sense of self and my confidence in the
process.
"After I completed my foundational mobility training NCBI introduced me to
the Microsoft Soundscape app. I knew very quickly I had found a tool that
could really improve the quality of my daily life. The app helped me to
navigate my daily routes and to start going out independently. Being mobile
has given me back my independence and the confidence to find employment. The
Soundscape app has been truly life-changing."
Chantelle Smith, National Access and Mobility Manager, at NCBI explained
that: "Technology is a huge enabler for people living with a vision
impairment or blindness. Over the past year, I've seen first-hand how the
Microsoft Soundscape app has supported Michael to regain the independence
that went with him losing his sight.
"Soundscape has the potential to positively impact the lives of almost
55,000 people in Ireland who are blind or vision impaired to more freely
navigate the world around them. We're thrilled that it is now available for
free here in Ireland and I'd encourage those within the community to
download it and use it to its full potential."
Speaking about the launch, James O'Connor, Vice President of Microsoft
International Operations, said: "At Microsoft, we believe that technology
can play a vital role in creating a more inclusive Ireland and empowering
positive change in our society. By collaborating with NCBI and its service
users, we've observed the profound impact that Soundscape has on people's
lives, enabling them to live, work and play with a renewed sense of
independence and confidence.
"Michael's story is a powerful example of what can be achieved when we
harness the power of accessible technology to help everyone in our community
to reach their true potential. By making the Soundscape app available for
free, in collaboration with NCBI, we hope to help people who are blind or
vision impaired to navigate and connect with the world around them."
Soundscape is designed to be used by everyone and allows the user to switch
effortlessly between using the app in the real world or in the virtual
world, helping to build a richer awareness of their surroundings and
enabling them to explore and learn about their environment. Soundscape can
be downloaded for free via the App Store for iOS devices. Visit Microsoft
Soundscape <https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/product/soundscape/>
to find out more.
Listen to an NCBI LABS LIVE EVENT SOUNDSCAPE SPECIAL aired last Tuesday and
available on all Smart Speakers or on NCBI's Youtube channel.
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