All Mode
Augmented reality is still rapidly developing and figuring out its place in the daily lives of users. As a result, both of the growing interest in AR and the established success of VR, apps, and experiences that could be considered AR-related are continuing to appear. There are many ways to augment more traditional entertainment, from the mega-popular Pokémon Go mobile game to 3D shopping and fashion apps to intimate ASMR videos. One field that is only beginning to be tapped for its potential could best be described as audio augmented reality.
Deeper Listening, Deeper Pleasures
PairPlay touts itself as screen-less AR. [Image: PairPlay]
Without the need for any tech more advanced than a smartphone and Bluetooth earbuds, an app called PairPlay allows two users to each receive distinct audio cues, prompts, and instructions as part of a participatory audio experience. In function, PairPlay users may hear directions to perform an action or say something to their cohort, each “player” filling a role and moving towards a conclusion predetermined by the program, yes, but still via a path set by the players themselves. Sharing earbuds for a coordinated experience might sound as dated as splitting wired headphones with a pal on a long train journey to those retina-deep in the most sophisticated AR and VR content. The opportunities it presents, however, especially for adult content, are strong.
Using your smartphone geolocation abilities, accelerometer, gyroscope, and of course, a pair of Bluetooth-connected earbuds, PairPlay, and other adventurous audio-focused creators are crafting unique experiences that could very likely influence how audio is treated in adult AR. Too often neglected by more middling creators, audio is vitally important to successful adult AR and VR content. A concept like PairPlay’s could be used to provide adult audio experiences to single people and couples alike, with the latter arguably offering the most potential.
Audio-Erotic Entertainment
Handing one earbud to your partner as you insert the other in your own ear, looking each other in the eye, and syncing up not only your excitement but your split stereo soundtrack could be the start of sexual experiences couples may never forget. Indulge in fantasies designed for two – perfect for roleplay, an audio guide can suggest or instruct participants on how to view, interact with, and even how to fuck their partner as the other plays out their role with equal guidance – and capitalize on human hearing’s ability to inspire arousal. Impressive use of the stereo sound field can already be found among the VRPorn.com collection in experiences by studios that rightfully give audio the attention it deserves. Beyond pseudo-spatialization, virtual porn studios are already making great strides in immersive audio. Should experiences like PairPlay – which its creator Jonathan Wegener has called “screen-free AR” – find a strong audience, the adult AR world will push itself to match that success, if not better it.
For single-use, yes, but especially for couples and even groups – now that is an exciting prospect – audio-based adult content shows huge potential, only beaten by the potential of adult AR in its totality.
Exciting tech.