Soundscape: 3D audio awareness for everyone

This is a community effort to bring the features of Microsoft Soundscape back to blind and visually-impaired travelers everywhere. Starting with the components released as open source by Microsoft Research, we have filled in some of the missing pieces and services to keep it functional.

What was Microsoft Soundscape?

Microsoft Soundscape [was] a product 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. Unlike step-by-step navigation apps, Soundscape uses 3D audio cues to enrich ambient awareness and provide a new way to relate to the environment. It allows you to build a mental map and make personal route choices while being more comfortable within unfamiliar spaces. Soundscape is designed to be used by everyone and live in the background; therefore, feel free to use it in conjunction with other apps such as podcasts, audio books, email and even GPS navigation!

For more technical details, see the original README from the open-source Soundscape repository.

Building Soundscape

See the iOS client build documentation in the repo, along with the build tips on the wiki.

Getting involved

Browse through the open issues. Items labeled "help-wanted" are particularly good candidates for contribution.

Join our Discord server to discuss the project, give feedback, or just say hello.

Translate Soundscape in your own language or contribute to an existing translation on Weblate.