Editor’s note, June 19, 2023 – The date existing installations of the Soundscape iOS app can continue to be used has been extended to Aug. 30, 2023. The article has been updated to reflect that change.
For more than six years, Microsoft Research has been honored to develop the Soundscape research project, which was designed to deliver information about a person’s location and points of interest and has guided individuals to desired places and in unfamiliar spaces using augmented-reality and three-dimensional audio. While not a traditional turn-by-turn navigation mobile app, the Soundscape research project allowed us to explore ways that audio can enhance mobility and expand navigation experiences without the need to follow directions on a small display.
The Soundscape code is now available as open-source software on GitHub at https://github.com/microsoft/soundscape (opens in new tab), so that anyone can continue to build on, and find new ways to leverage, this novel feature set for the growing navigation opportunities in today’s world. As Microsoft Research continues to expand into new accessibility innovation areas, we hope the open-source software release of the Soundscape code supports the community in further developing confidence and utility of spatial audio navigation experiences.
With the open-source release, the Microsoft Soundscape iOS app is no longer be available for download from the App Store, although existing installations can continue to be used until the end of August 2023. We are grateful to all of those who have tried and found value in the Microsoft Soundscape app and appreciate all the feedback and stories you have shared with us over the years.
Through the Microsoft Soundscape journey, we were delighted to discover the many valuable experiences (opens in new tab) Soundscape enabled, from empowering mobility instructors, to understanding the role of audio in adaptive sports, to supporting blind or low-vision individuals to go places and do essential activities for their lives. By making the Soundscape code available as open-source software, we hope the interest and potential continues to grow. Documentation on how to build and use the system are available on the GitHub Soundscape page at https://github.com/microsoft/soundscape (opens in new tab).
Frequently asked questions on Soundscape
Q: What is changing for Microsoft Soundscape?
A: It is now time to transition the Soundscape research project to the next phase, where we will share it to allow for broader development. Soundscape code is now available as open-source software at https://github.com/microsoft/soundscape (opens in new tab).
Q: What will happen to the Microsoft Soundscape app on iOS?
A: The app is no longer available for download. Existing installations can continue to be used until the end of August 2023.
Q: Will the Azure services that enable the Microsoft Soundscape app continue to be supported?
A: Yes, until the end of August 2023. Beyond that, entities can build new cloud-based services from our open-source release.
Q: Will user feedback on the Microsoft Soundscape app continue to work?
A: Yes, until the end of August 2023. We will focus on bug fixes and repairing service disruptions, but we will not address requests for new features or capabilities.
Q: Will the Soundscape open-source release run only on iOS, or will it also support Android?
A: The original Microsoft Soundscape app only supports iOS, and that is also true for the open-source release.
Q: Why has Microsoft Research decided to release Soundscape as open-source?
A: As we evolve our research portfolio, it is natural to end or transition some projects. We feel the community can benefit from the novel experiences we developed for the Soundscape research project, and that is why we are releasing the code as open-source software.
Q: What will happen to the Microsoft Soundscape Authoring app?
A: Use of the Microsoft Soundscape Authoring app will end on January 17, 2023.
Q: Are other Microsoft offerings implicated in this change for Soundscape or following a similar path at this time?
A: No, this change is specific to Soundscape. There is no impact or implication on other Microsoft offerings.
Audio and Acoustics 
Human-computer interaction