Radio and Audio > Innovation in Radio & Audio

JBL QUANTUM GUIDE PLAY

BLKJ HAVAS, Singapore / HARMAN APAC / 2024

Awards:

Grand Prix Spikes Asia
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Demo Film
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Overview

Credits

Overview

Write a short summary of what happens in the radio or audio work.

Guide Play is a revolutionary audio solution that helps the visually impaired play the most popular games in the world: first person shooter games. With more than 100 different sounds crafted for each action in the game, the software translates the element and structures of the game into audio cues, allowing the visually impaired to play games like never before.

Background:

JBL is a pioneer in providing quality audio solutions, however when it comes to audio for gaming, the brand is fairly new to the market.

Our QUANTUM series (gaming headphones) is not widely known even though it offers revolutionary spatial audio and head tracking technology.

We were far behind our competitors when it came to being recognised for our superior audio tech among gamers. The challenge that was given to us was simple: make gamers take QUANTUM headphones seriously by building a strong emotional association to gaming while proving its functional superiority. The objective was to showcase QUANTUM's incredible technology and position the brand as an enabler of amazing experiences for all.

Describe the Impact:

We launched Guide Play for over 1,000 gamers in selected countries. They were not only just able to play but also thrive within the game. Their feedback was used to perfect the software further. Guide Play is set to be freely available for everyone from March 2024 promoting widespread adoption and open-source integration with the vision of encouraging widespread adoption among companies and developers, facilitating innovation and accessibility enhancements within the gaming community. By embracing an open-source model, we unlock unparalleled scalability for the project. Originally designed to underscore the significance of audio in gaming and the necessity of quality products for an enjoyable experience, Guide Play transcends the confines of the headset debate; it harbours the potential to revolutionise the entire gaming landscape. Testimonials from numerous visually impaired gamers reaffirm the software's success and transformative impact.

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Please outline the innovative elements of the work.

Guide Play's creative idea revolves around transforming the gaming experience for the visually impaired by introducing an innovative audio solution. Leveraging cutting-edge A.I and machine learning, the technology converts in-game elements into spatial sounds, providing a unique and accessible way for visually impaired individuals to perceive their virtual environment. The tech brilliance lies in emulating echolocation through JBL Quantum's advanced head tracking and Spatial Audio technology, enhancing players' awareness within the game. By translating visual cues into auditory signals, Guide Play not only addresses the challenge of exclusion but also elevates the overall gaming experience for the visually impaired. The creative concept prioritizes inclusivity and user empowerment, marking a pioneering stride in making the gaming world accessible to a broader audience, ultimately fostering a more diverse and enriched gaming community.

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