Listen Technologies has announced the launch of ListenWIFI, a new product suite that’s the next generation of Listen EVERYWHERE in providing audio-over-Wi-Fi that lets venues stream audio over their wireless network to guest smartphones.
“Listen Technologies was a pioneer in audio-over-Wi-Fi technology,” says Tracy Bathurst, senior vice president and chief technology officer. “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. 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.”
Guests access the audio via a free app and listen with headphones or earbuds. An optional personal induction loop, also known as a neck loop, is available for guests with telecoil-equipped hearing aids or cochlear implants. When guests wear the neck loop, and it is plugged into their smart device, audio transmits directly to their hearing aids or cochlear implant.
Applications for ListenWIFI include assistive listening, language interpretation, streaming audio from video or TV screens, and audio description. ListenWIFI offers new hardware, including LWR-1050 dedicated receivers, new LA-490 ListenWIFI Beacons, new 2-, 4-, 8-, and 16-channel servers, and enhanced software that designed to simplify system configuration and management.
ListenWIFI LWR-1050 receivers are available for venues to meet legislative assistive listening compliance requirements and to simplify audio access for guests. When used with signage and neck loops, the new receivers enable ListenWIFI to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and international compliance requirements, making ListenWIFI a global assistive listening system. The LWR-1050 does not require users to connect to Wi-Fi or download an app.
“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,” said Sam Nord, vice president of global sales.
New ListenWIFI LA-490 Beacons provide location-based audio for an automated user experience. Beacons are small, lightweight units that can be mounted on a wall and transmit information via Bluetooth to LWR-1050 receivers or smartphones running the ListenWIFI app.
Venues can configure the new LA-490 ListenWIFI Beacons to trigger LWR-1050 receivers and users’ smartphones to stream audio automatically when a person is within a specific range of the unit. For example, when students enter a classroom with an installed ListenWIFI Beacon, their smartphone or LWR-1050 receiver will automatically stream the audio. The audio stops streaming to their device upon leaving the space. ListenWIFI software lets venue managers determine coverage area and which channels a user can access.
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,” addd Bathurst. “Venues just connect servers to their network and audio sources and notify BYOD users about the free ListenWIFI app.”
LListenWIFI Manager software enables venues to manage and program the entire ListenWIFI platform – LWR-1050 receivers, LA-490 Beacons, mobile apps, and servers — as well as track inventory, hide and password-protect audio channels, and generate QR codes that smartphone users can scan to access audio.
The ListenWIFI app allows venues to customize branding, colors, and messaging. It also lets venues generate QR codes from the app that users can scan to select their preferred language. Then, when interpreted audio is available, the app will automatically select the right channel based on the user’s preference.
ListenWIFI is available ships later this year.
