Audio-only augmented reality system for social interaction

Abstract

We explore new possibilities for interactive music consumption by proposing an audio-only augmented reality system for social interaction. We designed and built an Android application that measures the relative position of the device from freely moveable Bluetooth beacons. Based on this information, an algorithm dynamically changes the music that the users hear in their earphones. We assessed the interactive component of the system in the context of a silent rave party in a controlled experiment by comparing the system positioning readings in interactive and non-interactive control segments. We also directly assessed the user experience using self-report pre/post surveys. Our results suggest that the system facilitated higher levels of user movement in space and enhanced social interactions, thereby displaying the potential of using audio-only augmented reality in future mobile applications. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013.