And this is the headset Intelligent Headset created by the Danish company GN Store which brings a new concept: augmented reality audio. It has just been unveiled at the IFA exhibition in Berlin.
Intelligent Headset, an augmented reality headset
Armed with sensors such as those found in smartphones, namely a compass, accelerometer and gyroscopeet, and equipped with GPS (geolocation), it tracks the wearer's movements to know where they are and what they are looking at, in order to provide feedback or sound illustration from dedicated mobile applications. Coupled to a smartphone via Bluetooth, this headset can have many fun, educational or practical uses.
You can find yourself in front of a monument and automatically hear a commentary on its history or opening hours, play a mobile game with 3D sound effects or even pilot a drone with just the movement of your head.
Which developments and for which uses?
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A dozen application projects are underway, including Urban Explorer, a tourist guide that provides comments on referenced sites, but also recommendations for shopping, restaurants and outings. There is also the application Knowledge Explorer which aims at an edutainment use based on a treasure hunt game where children will explore places, perceive sound effects and learn by answering questions. Another development is the games, including a title on the theme of zombies, where players have to confront the undead based on sound clues, while firing thanks to the button placed on the helmet. But perhaps one of the most promising opportunities is assistance for the visually impaired.
Is this kind of technology generalizable enough because we know that geolocation is not always very accurate. This solution must be perfectly adapted for monuments, perfectly identified places, but when the same place presents several centres of interest within a limited perimeter, what about the precision and addressing of specific contents of augmented reality? This is where visual recognition could be a relevant complementary element.
Intelligent Heads is not yet commercialized and has not given a launch date or price range. The headset is currently compatible with iOS, but will soon be compatible with other mobile operating systems, the next on the list being Android. To be continued...
Photo © GN Store, Intelligent Headset
