Listen Technologies, a provider of assistive listening, multi-language audio transmission and live-streaming audio solutions, is attending InfoComm in Orlando this week, where the team has launched ListenWIFI, the next generation of its audio-over-Wi-Fi solution, Listen EVERYWHERE. This will replace Listen EVERYWHERE and follows the naming convention of the firm’s other systems, such as ListenIR and ListenRF.
“Listen Technologies was a pioneer in audio-over-Wi-Fi technology. We launched our first Wi-Fi solution in 2014 and have continued to enhance the product line and add features and functionality based on feedback from customers and partners,” says Tracy Bathurst, senior vice president and chief technology officer, Listen Technologies.
“ListenWIFI is the culmination of those collective insights and advancements. The new system delivers a truly automated experience, seamlessly connecting people to clear audio via Wi-Fi.”
ListenWIFI
Like past iterations of Listen Technologies’ audio-over-Wi-Fi solutions, ListenWIFI enables venues to broadcast audio to visitors’ smartphones over their wireless network. Visitors use a free app to access the audio, and they listen with headphones or earbuds.
For visitors with telecoil-equipped hearing aids or cochlear implants, a neck loop, also known as a personal induction loop, is an option. Audio is transmitted directly to hearing aids or cochlear implants when visitors wear the neck loop and plug it into their smartphone or other smart devices.
Applications for ListenWIFI include audio description, language interpretation, assistive listening, and streaming audio from video or TV screens. While the applications for earlier iterations of the audio-over-Wi-Fi solution from Listen Technologies were comparable, ListenWIFI is a new platform that provides new features and capabilities not found in competing solutions on the market right now.
New hardware for the ListenWIFI system includes LWR-1050 dedicated receivers, LA-490 ListenWIFI Beacons, new 2-, 4-, 8-, and 16-channel servers, as well as improved software that makes setting up and managing the system easier.
ListenWIFI LWR-1050 receivers
Venues can use ListenWIFI LWR-1050 receivers to satisfy legal requirements for assistive listening compliance and to make audio access for visitors easier. The updated receivers allow ListenWIFI to comply with international compliance standards and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) when used with signage and neck loops, making ListenWIFI a universal assistive listening tool.
Schools, venues, corporations, and places of worship can provide a choice to students, visitors, and guests thanks to LWR-1050 receivers. They can use the free ListenWIFI app on their smartphones to get streamed audio, or they can make access to the audio simpler by utilising the LWR-1050. Users of the LWR-1050 are not required to download an app or connect to WiFi.
“ListenWIFI LWR-1050 dedicated receivers can be preconfigured so users simply turn them on, are automatically connected to the venue’s audio, and start streaming immediately,” says Sam Nord, vice president of global sales, Listen Technologies.
ListenWIFI LA-490 Beacons
For a fully automated and smooth user experience, location-based audio is provided by the new ListenWIFI LA-490 Beacons. Beacons are compact, lightweight devices that may be posted on a wall and use Bluetooth to send data to smartphones with the ListenWIFI app or LWR-1050 receivers.
Venues can set up the new LA-490 ListenWIFI Beacons to automatically stream audio to users’ smartphones and LWR-1050 receivers when they come within a certain range of the device.
For instance, a student’s smartphone or LWR-1050 receiver will start streaming audio when he or she enters a classroom with a ListenWIFI Beacon installed. When a student leaves the room, the audio stops streaming to their device. Managers of venues can choose the channels that a user can access and the coverage area using the ListenWIFI software.
ListenWIFI Servers, Manager & App
The new ListenWIFI servers will be available in 2-, 4-, 8-, and 16-channel configurations. “New ListenWIFI servers easily deploy on venues’ existing Wi-Fi networks but can also facilitate separate standalone networks,” says Bathurst. “Venues just connect servers to their network and audio sources and notify BYOD users about the free ListenWIFI app.”
Meanwhile, the new ListenWIFI Manager software for Windows makes it easy to manage and program the ListenWIFI system. The software enables venues to:
- Manage and program the entire ListenWIFI platform – LWR-1050 receivers, LA-490 Beacons, mobile apps, and servers.
- Easily track inventory.
- Hide and password-protect audio channels.
- Generate QR codes that smartphone users can scan to access audio.
Venues can personalise branding, colours, and messaging with the new ListenWIFI app. With the app, venues can also print QR codes that customers can scan to choose the language they prefer. The software will then choose the appropriate channel when interpreted audio is available based on the user’s preferences.
ListenWIFI is available for demonstration in the Listen Technologies booth (#2961) at InfoComm and ships later this year.
Listen Technologies has been providing exceptional listening experiences for 25 years. The firm marked this milestone anniversary on 4 June 2023, celebrating 25 years of helping people hear clearly.
