Jabra, a brand focusing on audio and communications products, has revealed that its Intelligent Headset Developer Edition is at the center of a Microsoft project designed to help those with sight loss. Basically, the idea is to use 3D audio to create a better idea of their surroundings, and that’s where the Intelligent Headset Developer Edition comes in.
Essentially, by “intelligent,” Jabra means that its headset comes with integrated sensors that function as an accelerometer, compass, GPS and gyroscope to deliver what’s considered 3D audio. Basically, sound plus data bring about the sound delivered via Bluetooth. Using both, apps can then parse them to create a sort of auditory picture of what surroundings look like at any given time. The headset can also do the usual music and phone calls one typically associates with similar devices, but the 3D audio capability is where it stands out.
The headset is being used in a collaboration between Microsoft and the UK charity Guide Dogs to develop an application to help those with sight loss as part of the Cities Unlocked project.
“Getting around cities is a nerve-wracking experience for too many people, especially those living with sight loss,” the Cities Unlocked project website states. “It can often feel as though public spaces and services — from parks to transport systems — are designed with insufficient consideration for the people they serve.”
That’s why Cities Unlocked more generally aims to work with several different groups across sectors to help make city navigation that much easier for those with sight loss.
Jabra currently has its intelligent headsets, including the non-Cities Unlocked Jabra Sports line of wireless headsets featuring in-ear coaching, on the floor at CES 2016 in Las Vegas.
