Ever imagine what objects would say if they could speak? Well wonder no more thanks to researchers at NEC Corporation who have designed an acoustic augmented reality (AR) technology that gives a “voice” to typically voiceless objects for wearers of specially-designed wireless earphones.

According to the researchers, the “stereophonic sound” is accomplished using a listening device outfitted with nine axis motion sensors. The wireless technology produces a sound field that is both realistic and three-dimensional in terms of sense of direction and sound distance. As a result, it doesn’t matter what direction a person is facing in order to achieve “sound localization.”

Researchers envision using this technology for promotions, navigation and guidance services.

"NEC is aiming to commercialize this technology as a hearable platform service that combines ear acoustic authentication with indoor positioning, vital sensing and other technologies by the end of FY2018," said Tomonori Kumagai, General Manager, Business Development Division, NEC Corporation. "Going forward, NEC aims to continue proposing new approaches to computing that utilize hearable devices without the need for screens."