Researchers find way to target sound to individuals
The way in which we listen to music and hear sounds has changed over the centuries. Today, we have state-of-the-art, noise-cancelling ear buds that provide the highest quality aural experience. In the near future, we will be able to listen to music in public without headphones. New technology is being tested that can aim beams of sound at individuals, without people next to them hearing. This means we could be having private conversations in public without others listening in. A team of researchers at Penn State University in the USA developed an innovation called "audio enclaves". The ultrasound waves used for these enclaves cannot be heard en route to the recipient. In addition, the waves can be bent to get around obstacles.
The researchers spoke to the website "The Conversation" about their work. Lead researcher Jiaxin Zhong said: "We essentially created a virtual headset. Someone within an audible enclave can hear something meant only for them, enabling sound and quiet zones." He elaborated on the potential uses of the technology. Museums could provide headphone-free audio guides to visitors. Passengers in a car could listen to music without distracting the driver. Those requiring confidentiality could set up enclaves to ensure their conversations are not overheard. Individuals could also receive personalized ads as they walk through a shopping mall. In addition, audio enclaves could be set up to eliminate noise pollution in busy workplaces.
How Can I Get the Breaking News English Podcast?
- Just copy and paste the following web address into the URL field of the podcast software you are using.
https://breakingnewsenglish.com/rss.xml
- If you are using iTunes, just click here for automatic subscription to this podcast.
What's a Podcast?
- A podcast is an audio file (most often an MP3) that you can download to your computer or music player (such as an iPod).
- You can listen to a podcast on a music/MP3 player or a computer.
Podcast Software
- Your podcast software will automatically download Breaking News English's daily listening onto your computer and/or music/MP3 player.
- There is no need to visit the Breaking News English site to download the podcast once the above URL is in your podcast software, unless you also wish to look at or download the news article.
- You can listen to the audio file with iTunes, MediaPlayer or RealPlayer.
See Lessons Based On These Themes
Help Support and Promote This Website
Recommend my site on blogs, forums and other sites.
Message me on Facebook or tweet me to say "hi" and give me feedback.
Consider buying my 1,000 Ideas and Activities book.
Please consider helping Breaking News English.com.
Share