{"id":835063,"date":"2022-06-07T11:44:21","date_gmt":"2022-06-07T18:44:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/?post_type=msr-group&#038;p=835063"},"modified":"2023-06-20T09:46:26","modified_gmt":"2023-06-20T16:46:26","slug":"soundscape","status":"publish","type":"msr-group","link":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/product\/soundscape\/","title":{"rendered":"Microsoft Soundscape"},"content":{"rendered":"<section class=\"mb-3 moray-highlight\">\n\t<div class=\"card-img-overlay mx-lg-0\">\n\t\t<div class=\"card-background  has-background- card-background--full-bleed\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_Header_Kayak_5-1920x720.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"2 Kayakers on a lake using Soundscape\" style=\"object-position: 75% 42%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_Header_Kayak_5-1920x720.png 1920w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_Header_Kayak_5-1920x720-300x113.png 300w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_Header_Kayak_5-1920x720-768x288.png 768w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_Header_Kayak_5-1920x720-1024x384.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_Header_Kayak_5-1920x720-1600x600.png 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<!-- Foreground -->\n\t\t<div class=\"card-foreground d-flex mt-md-n5 my-lg-5 px-g px-lg-0\">\n\t\t\t<!-- Container -->\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container d-flex mt-md-n5 my-lg-5 align-self-center\">\n\t\t\t\t<!-- Card wrapper -->\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"w-100 w-lg-col-5\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<!-- Card -->\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card material-md-card py-5 px-md-5\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-body \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"microsoft-soundscape\">Microsoft Soundscape<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>A map delivered in 3D sound<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-soundscape\">What is Soundscape?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike step-by-step navigation apps, Soundscape used 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Soundscape research project has reached its conclusion, and the project code is now released&nbsp;as open-source software. For more information visit <a class=\"msr-external-link glyph-append glyph-append-open-in-new-tab glyph-append-xsmall\" href=\"https:\/\/aka.ms\/ossblog\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/aka.ms\/ossblog<span class=\"sr-only\"> (opens in new tab)<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Microsoft Soundscape - an Illustrated Demonstration\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/v5DXykmOdJ8?feature=oembed&rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em class=\"\">A short, illustrated video demonstration of Soundscape.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"padding-bottom:0; padding-top:0\" class=\"wp-block-msr-immersive-section alignfull row wp-block-msr-immersive-section\">\n\t\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-msr-immersive-section__wrapper col-lg-11 col-xl-9 px-0 m-auto\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-did-soundscape-work\">How did Soundscape work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Soundscape 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.<\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-2 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"480\" height=\"280\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/UsingMicrosoftSoundscape-480.png\" alt=\"Soundscape: graphic showing a headset with audio signals and app interface\" class=\"wp-image-469353\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/UsingMicrosoftSoundscape-480.png 480w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/UsingMicrosoftSoundscape-480-300x175.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"getting-started-with-soundscape\">Getting started with Soundscape<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>After you install Soundscape, connect a stereo headset or earbuds. Follow the introduction and when prompted, allow the app to access your location. Then, explore a familiar route to get used to how Soundscape delivers spatial information.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"480\" height=\"280\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_How-it-works02-480.png\" alt=\"Soundscape: graphic showing audio signal locations\" class=\"wp-image-469332\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_How-it-works02-480.png 480w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_How-it-works02-480-300x175.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"explore-discover-and-have-fun\">Explore, discover, and have fun!<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>You can use Soundscape in a number of different ways, whether on a well-known route, out about with a friend or using it to discover new places.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"480\" height=\"280\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_How-it-works03-480.png\" alt=\"Soundscape: graphic showing chat boxes\" class=\"wp-image-469335\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_How-it-works03-480.png 480w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_How-it-works03-480-300x175.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"come-on-the-journey-with-us\">Come on the journey with us\u2026<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Soundscape reflects a new concept, so it will take a little time to get used to. Please give it a go\u2014and persist with it\u2014to begin to experience the benefits.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><em class=\"\">Microsoft Soundscape is not designed, intended or made available for diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of diseases and for use as a mobility aid or medical device; and is not designed or intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or judgement and should not be used to replace or as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or judgement. The mapping data incorporated into the Microsoft Soundscape program is captured from a third-party program, and therefore, there may be limitations with the accuracy of the information presented and the user is responsible for their actions and their own safety and well-being.\u200b<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"audio-information-in-3d-for-more-independence-and-mobility\">Audio information in 3D\u2014for more independence and mobility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Microsoft Soundscape is a general-purpose application and allows the user to switch effortlessly between using it in the real world or in the virtual world, to help build a richer awareness of their surroundings and explore their environment. It now features head tracking with the Apple AirPods Pro and AirPods Max. Place your phone in your pocket or bag and enjoy a hands-free Soundscape experience. Your AirPods will track the direction of your head, allowing you to effortlessly hear the audio beacon and callouts in 3D. If you use Apple AirPods Pro or Max, you\u2019ll need to set them up in Soundscape using the Head Tracking Headset menu.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Microsoft Soundscape - overview of Routes feature\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/MmdmBFkNGaM?feature=oembed&rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-vertical-padding-none  is-stacked-on-mobile is-style-border is-style-offset-media--top\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\" data-bi-an=\"media-text\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2021\/05\/SoundscapeStreetPreview-1024x1000.png\" alt=\"Image of Soundscape Street Preview screens\" class=\"wp-image-744814 size-large\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2021\/05\/SoundscapeStreetPreview-1024x1000.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2021\/05\/SoundscapeStreetPreview-300x293.png 300w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2021\/05\/SoundscapeStreetPreview-768x750.png 768w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2021\/05\/SoundscapeStreetPreview-12x12.png 12w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2021\/05\/SoundscapeStreetPreview.png 1220w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\" data-bi-an=\"media-text\">\n\n<h3 id=\"soundscape-street-preview\">Soundscape Street Preview<\/h3>\n\n\n<p>Soundscape Street Preview breaks fresh ground for Soundscape by providing an innovative tool for virtually exploring the world! With it, you can select any location in the world to&nbsp;<strong>preview the area at street level<\/strong>&nbsp;in order to familiarize and build a mental map of the space. Soundscape Street Preview will help enrich your awareness of familiar places, and help you explore and discover new and unfamiliar places!<\/p>\n\n\n<p><a class=\"msr-external-link glyph-append glyph-append-open-in-new-tab glyph-append-xsmall\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/et6FlZXfBvM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Watch the video ><span class=\"sr-only\"> (opens in new tab)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"padding-bottom:32px; padding-top:32px\" class=\"wp-block-msr-immersive-section alignfull row wp-block-msr-immersive-section\">\n\t\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-msr-immersive-section__wrapper col-lg-11 col-xl-9 px-0 m-auto\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"explore-the-world-from-the-comfort-of-your-sofa\">Explore the world from the comfort of your sofa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When people have more ambient information, they naturally and intuitively create better mental maps, so they can explore more and feel more comfortable and connected in new environments. Soundscape provides spatial information everywhere you go and adds functionality to existing navigation systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While Soundscape enriches your surroundings it is designed to complement and not replace current mobility aids for people with sight loss. We encourage users with sight loss to continue to place their basic awareness of their surroundings and mobility skills as a priority.<\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-4 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2022\/02\/Soundscape_LinkBuds-testing-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"A group of people standing outside in an enclosed and paved area with buildings nearby\" class=\"wp-image-819130\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2022\/02\/Soundscape_LinkBuds-testing-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2022\/02\/Soundscape_LinkBuds-testing-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2022\/02\/Soundscape_LinkBuds-testing-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2022\/02\/Soundscape_LinkBuds-testing-1066x600.jpg 1066w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2022\/02\/Soundscape_LinkBuds-testing-655x368.jpg 655w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2022\/02\/Soundscape_LinkBuds-testing-343x193.jpg 343w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2022\/02\/Soundscape_LinkBuds-testing-240x135.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2022\/02\/Soundscape_LinkBuds-testing-640x360.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2022\/02\/Soundscape_LinkBuds-testing-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2022\/02\/Soundscape_LinkBuds-testing-1280x720.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2022\/02\/Soundscape_LinkBuds-testing.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Grow your awareness and discover new places.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_route_map2-6203e92a2df0d-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"A map of Reading showing a route walked from Reading University to the town centre with key landmarks marked out on the map.\u200b\" class=\"wp-image-819190\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_route_map2-6203e92a2df0d-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_route_map2-6203e92a2df0d-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_route_map2-6203e92a2df0d-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_route_map2-6203e92a2df0d-1066x600.jpg 1066w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_route_map2-6203e92a2df0d-655x368.jpg 655w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_route_map2-6203e92a2df0d-343x193.jpg 343w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_route_map2-6203e92a2df0d-240x135.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_route_map2-6203e92a2df0d-640x360.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_route_map2-6203e92a2df0d-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_route_map2-6203e92a2df0d-1280x720.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_route_map2-6203e92a2df0d.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Enrich your experience of familiar places and confidently explore the unfamiliar.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_woman-with-dog_16-9.jpg\" alt=\"A woman with a floral backpack kneels to pet her guide dog while holding her phone.\" class=\"wp-image-819187\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_woman-with-dog_16-9.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_woman-with-dog_16-9-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_woman-with-dog_16-9-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_woman-with-dog_16-9-655x368.jpg 655w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_woman-with-dog_16-9-343x193.jpg 343w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_woman-with-dog_16-9-240x135.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_woman-with-dog_16-9-640x360.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Run it in the background for a rich ambient experience.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-5 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"480\" height=\"280\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_Features01-480.png\" alt=\"Soundscape - graphic showing spatial audio signals\" class=\"wp-image-469362\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_Features01-480.png 480w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_Features01-480-300x175.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-spatial-audio\">What is spatial audio?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Soundscape calls out landmarks in relation to you, letting you connect with your environment naturally and more intuitively without getting in the way of what you\u2019re doing or who you\u2019re with.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"480\" height=\"280\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_Features02-480.png\" alt=\"Soundscape - graphic showing an audio signal location at a bank\" class=\"wp-image-469365\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_Features02-480.png 480w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_Features02-480-300x175.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"setting-a-beacon\">Setting a beacon<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you set the audio beacon to a destination, you can put the phone away and walk. Soundscape will call out roads and intersections through your headphones, putting you in control of how you want to get there.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"480\" height=\"280\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_Features03-480.png\" alt=\"Soundscape - graphic showing information buttons and a city skyline\" class=\"wp-image-469368\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_Features03-480.png 480w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_Features03-480-300x175.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"information-buttons\">Information buttons<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>My Location, Around Me, and Ahead of Me buttons help build a picture of where you are and what\u2019s around you. \u201cAround Me\u201d will call out four points of interest in a 360-degree sweep, and \u201cAhead of Me\u201d calls out five items in front of you.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-6 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"480\" height=\"280\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_Features04-480.png\" alt=\"Soundscape - graphic showing person using a cane and audio signal at bus stop\" class=\"wp-image-469371\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_Features04-480.png 480w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_Features04-480-300x175.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"wayfinding\">Wayfinding<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike step-by-step instructions, sounds guide you a more natural way to move through spaces and find places on your own terms.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"480\" height=\"280\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_Features05-480.png\" alt=\"Soundscape - graphic showing phone app screen running in the background\" class=\"wp-image-469326\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_Features05-480.png 480w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_Features05-480-300x175.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"running-in-the-background\">Running in the background<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Soundscape can be used as a stand-alone app, or it can complement other navigational aids by running in the background, helping build a richer ambient awareness of your surroundings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"480\" height=\"280\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/FeaturesMap06-480.png\" alt=\"Soundscape - features map\" class=\"wp-image-469932\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/FeaturesMap06-480.png 480w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/FeaturesMap06-480-300x175.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"openstreetmap\">OpenStreetMap<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Soundscape uses&nbsp;<a class=\"msr-external-link glyph-append glyph-append-open-in-new-tab glyph-append-xsmall\" href=\"https:\/\/www.openstreetmap.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">OpenStreetMap<span class=\"sr-only\"> (opens in new tab)<\/span><\/a>&nbsp;data, which is a rich and constantly enhanced community-generated mapping platform.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"padding-bottom:64px; padding-top:64px\" class=\"wp-block-msr-immersive-section alignfull row has-background has-blue-background-color has-text-color has-white-color wp-block-msr-immersive-section\">\n\t\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-msr-immersive-section__wrapper col-lg-11 col-xl-9 px-0 m-auto\">\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>\u201cI found a performing arts center in my new neighborhood that I didn&#8217;t know existed until I used the app.\u201d<\/p><cite>\u2014 Priscilla Jimenez<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_Footer.png\" class=\"wp-block-msr-immersive-section__background-image\" alt=\"Soundscape - A city street map grid in dark blue with a light blue GPS beacon, two white sound wave icons, and a white location icon\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_Footer.png 1600w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_Footer-300x113.png 300w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_Footer-768x288.png 768w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_Footer-1024x384.png 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"support-for-microsoft-soundscape\">Support for Microsoft Soundscape<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Thoughtful input from our customers, partners and the community about the role technology can play to empower people has been a rewarding experience and enables us to continually improve our products and services. Please continue to share your experiences with Soundscape, and if you have questions or need additional support:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ask questions and share feedback\u2014select Microsoft Soundscape in the Microsoft Research category at&nbsp;<a class=\"msr-external-link glyph-append glyph-append-open-in-new-tab glyph-append-xsmall\" href=\"https:\/\/answers.microsoft.com\/en-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/answers.microsoft.com\/en-us\/<span class=\"sr-only\"> (opens in new tab)<\/span><\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We want Soundscape to be accessible for everyone. Find accessibility support via the\u00a0<a class=\"msr-external-link glyph-append glyph-append-open-in-new-tab glyph-append-xsmall\" href=\"https:\/\/support.microsoft.com\/en-us\/accessibility\/disability-answer-desk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Disability Answer Desk<span class=\"sr-only\"> (opens in new tab)<\/span><\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Microsoft Soundscape iOS app is being discontinued as of Jan 3, 2023, and will not be available for download. Existing installations can be used until Aug. 30, 2023. Additional information: <a class=\"msr-external-link glyph-append glyph-append-open-in-new-tab glyph-append-xsmall\" href=\"https:\/\/aka.ms\/ossblog\">https:\/\/aka.ms\/ossblog<span class=\"sr-only\"> (opens in new tab)<\/span><\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-light-blue-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:12px;padding-right:12px;padding-bottom:12px;padding-left:12px;flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<p><em><strong class=\"\">A note from the Soundscape team<\/strong>&nbsp;(Dec 2022)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><em>We are grateful to all of those who tried and found value in the Soundscape app, and appreciate all the feedback and stories you shared with us over the years<em> \u2014 from remote instruction by Orientation & Mobility specialists, to fun explorations using Street Preview, to sharing how Markers and Annotations helped people connect to places and each other. We hope these experiences and new ones will be enabled by the open-source release of the Soundscape research project.<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"frequently-asked-questions\">Frequently asked questions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p><em>Soundscape uses two different data sources, OpenStreetMap (OSM) and Bing Maps. If the data was called out automatically as you moved around, then this is OSM data, if you accessed the data through search or the Nearby Places list, then this is Bing data.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For out of data Bing Maps data, if you find the erroneous place at <a class=\"msr-external-link glyph-append glyph-append-open-in-new-tab glyph-append-xsmall\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bing.com\/maps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.bing.com\/maps<span class=\"sr-only\"> (opens in new tab)<\/span><\/a>, then select \u2018Suggest an edit\u2019 to report the issue to Bing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>OSM is an open-source map, so anyone can edit it. You can create an account at <a class=\"msr-external-link glyph-append glyph-append-open-in-new-tab glyph-append-xsmall\" href=\"https:\/\/www.openstreetmap.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.openstreetmap.org\/<span class=\"sr-only\"> (opens in new tab)<\/span><\/a> and make change to the incorrect information yourself, or you can ask for help on the OSM forum at <a class=\"msr-external-link glyph-append glyph-append-open-in-new-tab glyph-append-xsmall\" href=\"https:\/\/forum.openstreetmap.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/forum.openstreetmap.org<span class=\"sr-only\"> (opens in new tab)<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A good place to start is to find your country or region on the \u2018Index\u2019 list at <a class=\"msr-external-link glyph-append glyph-append-open-in-new-tab glyph-append-xsmall\" href=\"https:\/\/nam06.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforum.openstreetmap.org%2Findex.php&data=05%7C01%7Cv-brpotts%40microsoft.com%7Ce89a677440ae443990d208da343474be%7C72f988bf86f141af91ab2d7cd011db47%7C1%7C0%7C637879697177965468%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=wmoMyojzSKErTVWeK0qtiYFD0bgxIsOO6gepgbobaQA%3D&reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/forum.openstreetmap.org\/index.php<span class=\"sr-only\"> (opens in new tab)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>At initial launch, Soundscape was available for download only in the UK and US and has since been released in Australia, Canada, Sweden, France and Brazil; however, if you are traveling to other countries Soundscape will continue to work, but please be aware of carrier charges if not on Wi-Fi. Regarding opening to other markets, we are working hard with partners and other organizations to determine the most effective way we can do this and will provide updates on our website as we have them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Soundscape is currently available for Apple iOS, running on iPhone SE, iPhone 6S and later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\" id=\"block-b54ba8b8-9c08-47a3-be6e-815f8a1c971c\">\n<li>You can enable Siri shortcuts for Soundscape by opening settings from the Soundscape menu and then selecting \u2018Siri Shortcuts\u2019. Select the add button next to each of the shortcuts to add them to Siri on your phone.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To use the Siri Shortcuts, your phone will have to be unlocked, but this can be used as a quick way to complete a specific task within the Soundscape app.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Have more questions? Email us at&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:soundscape@microsoft.com\">soundscapefeed@microsoft.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"padding-bottom:64px; padding-top:64px\" class=\"wp-block-msr-immersive-section alignfull row has-background has-blue-background-color has-text-color has-white-color wp-block-msr-immersive-section\">\n\t\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-msr-immersive-section__wrapper col-lg-11 col-xl-9 px-0 m-auto\">\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>\u201cI found a performing arts center in my new neighborhood that I didn&#8217;t know existed until I used the app.\u201d<\/p><cite>\u2014 Priscilla Jimenez<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_Footer.png\" class=\"wp-block-msr-immersive-section__background-image\" alt=\"Soundscape - A city street map grid in dark blue with a light blue GPS beacon, two white sound wave icons, and a white location icon\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_Footer.png 1600w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_Footer-300x113.png 300w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_Footer-768x288.png 768w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/uploads\/prod\/2018\/02\/Soundscape_Footer-1024x384.png 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/div>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Microsoft Soundscape explored the use 3D audio-based technology to enable people to build a richer awareness of their surroundings.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":509393,"template":"","meta":{"msr-url-field":"","msr-podcast-episode":"","msrModifiedDate":"","msrModifiedDateEnabled":false,"ep_exclude_from_search":false,"_classifai_error":"","msr_group_start":"","footnotes":""},"research-area":[243062,13554],"msr-group-type":[263785],"msr-locale":[268875],"msr-impact-theme":[261667,261670],"class_list":["post-835063","msr-group","type-msr-group","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","msr-research-area-audio-acoustics","msr-research-area-human-computer-interaction","msr-group-type-product","msr-locale-en_us"],"msr_group_start":"","msr_detailed_description":"","msr_further_details":"","msr_hero_images":[],"msr_research_lab":[199561,199565],"related-researchers":[{"type":"user_nicename","display_name":"Rico Malvar","user_id":32786,"people_section":"Section name 0","alias":"malvar"},{"type":"guest","display_name":"Frazier Carr","user_id":467217,"people_section":"Section name 0","alias":""},{"type":"user_nicename","display_name":"Daniel Tsirulnikov","user_id":36434,"people_section":"Section name 0","alias":"datsirul"},{"type":"guest","display_name":"Emily Greene","user_id":467223,"people_section":"Section name 0","alias":""},{"type":"guest","display_name":"Steven Abrams","user_id":467214,"people_section":"Section name 0","alias":""}],"related-publications":[],"related-downloads":[],"related-videos":[],"related-projects":[],"related-events":[],"related-opportunities":[],"related-posts":[],"tab-content":[],"msr_impact_theme":["Empowerment","Resilience"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/msr-group\/835063"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/msr-group"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/msr-group"}],"version-history":[{"count":61,"href":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/msr-group\/835063\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":951099,"href":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/msr-group\/835063\/revisions\/951099"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/509393"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=835063"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"msr-research-area","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/research-area?post=835063"},{"taxonomy":"msr-group-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/msr-group-type?post=835063"},{"taxonomy":"msr-locale","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/msr-locale?post=835063"},{"taxonomy":"msr-impact-theme","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/msr-impact-theme?post=835063"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}