SonicData: Broadcasting Data via Sound for Smartphones

Abstract

SonicData is a technique for broadcasting data to smartphones via audio streams using phone’s built-in microphone. SonicData augments an audio stream in the environment with nearly inaudible high-frequencies, allowing data to be sent to any smartphone in the vicinity using regular speakers and without any need for special hardware and software infrastructure or handshaking requirements. We detail the technical implementation of the SonicData prototype, outline a technical evaluation of its capabilities, and describe the results of a preliminary study of its effect on the quality of sound streams. We designed four interaction techniques that highlight SonicData’s potential as a complementary technique for broadcasting data to smartphones.