Doppler Labs provides ‘augmented reality listening’ for fans of New York Philharmonic, New York Mets, and Cleveland Cavaliers (updated)

Wireless ear-bud maker Doppler Labs has partnered with six organizations to bring its Here One “augmented reality listening” to sporting events, museums, concert halls, and more.

The company is teaming up with The New York Philharmonic, the New York Mets, the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (De Young & Legion of Honor), MADE Fashion Week, Gimlet Media, and the Coachella music festival.

Doppler Labs will be working with each of these organizations to deliver unique, contextual audio content and other enhanced acoustic experiences through Here One beginning in 2017. So, for example, fans at a Cleveland Cavaliers game could use Here One’s layered listening feature to stream stats over the real-world sounds of the game, or employ selective noise filters to reduce the roar of the crowd — all while seamlessly engaging with friends at the same time.

The company said the integrations will have broad implications for in-ear augmented reality applications.

“When we first imagined Here One, we set out to create a product that would transform your wireless listening experience and seamlessly integrate into spaces that a headphone never could,” the company said in a blog post today. “This passion for creating experiential tech has always been a core part of Doppler Labs’ mission, dating back to when we first brought Here Active Listening to hundreds of thousands of attendees at Coachella.”

Above: Here One

Image Credit: Doppler Labs

The new partnerships will enable “immersive listening experiences.” Here One has “computational hearing features” that enhance real-world audio experiences, whether that’s at a sporting event, a concert, or a museum.

“Imagine being at a baseball game and being able to selectively filter the noise of the crowd,” the company said. “At the same time, you could stream perfectly synced sports commentary without being disconnected from your friends or the live action of the game. Or imagine a museum experience where you could choose the soundtrack to play during your tour (say, classical or electronic) and simultaneously get location-based audio commentary when you walk into an exhibit, all while still being able to engage with those around you.”

The New York Philharmonic connects with up to 50 million music lovers annually through performances, education,
broadcasts, and the Digital Archives. Now celebrating its 175th anniversary season, the Philharmonic shares live performances through downloads and online.

“We’re partnering with the New York Philharmonic to develop a new type of concert experience by delivering custom audio commentary layered perfectly over the performance,” Doppler Labs said. “For example, attendees with Here One will be able to stream content co-created and curated by the New York Philharmonic — be it a deep dive on Tchaikovsky, the soloist performing Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, or the individual musicians that make up the orchestra. This experience not only lets concert-goers simultaneously listen to the live performance with unadulterated sound, but also enjoy the natural acoustics of David Geffen Hall.”

Doppler Labs can also enhance sports events with audio.

“We’re bringing Here One technology to the Cleveland Cavaliers gameday experience and giving fans the ability to enjoy a basketball game like never before,” the company said. “For example, using Here One’s proprietary Layered Listening technology, attendees will be able to stream real-time, play-by-play sports commentary, scores, and stats — even content directly from the players — over the real-world sounds of the game. Additionally, with Here One’s Smart Noise Filters — optimized for the Quicken Loans Arena — fans will be able to selectively filter out crowd noise so they can enjoy the game exactly how they want.”

Doppler Labs is also collaborating with the Mets to integrate Here One technology and optimize the acoustics at Citi Field to enhance the fan experience.

“Using Here One and beacon technology, attendees will be able to receive up-to-date information and audio notifications right from the stands,” Doppler Labs said. “No AM radio? No problem. With Here One’s Layered Listening feature, fans can seamlessly stream the Mets audio feed, stats, and more, layered perfectly
on top of the real-world sounds around them, so they never miss a moment of the game with their friends.”

And at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (the M.H. de Young Memorial Museum in Golden Gate Park and the California Palace of the Legion of Honor in Lincoln Park), Doppler Labs is giving visitors a new way to engage inside the museums.

“Our technology will enable visitors to easily navigate museums using audio notifications, explore what’s on view, and debate the merits of contemporary art with friends and people around them — all without ever having to remove the Here One earbuds,” the company said. “We are working with Gimlet Media to bring Here One users premium narrative programming, delivering an elevated listening experience. Using Here One’s Layered Listening feature, listeners will be able to seamlessly stream podcasts over real-world sounds. For example, a commuter riding his bike to work can listen to his favorite podcast while staying safely aware of the traffic around.”

And with MADE, Here One can provide audio during fashion shows.

“We’re collaborating with MADE to provide curated audio experiences through the Here One buds at MADE’s fashion events,” the company said. “Here One’s Layered Listening feature enables MADE guests to hear custom audio content — such as original runway music and design inspirations from designers — while still being able to discuss the styles and trends with other guests.”

The company plans to begin production on its Here Now earbuds in January and ship preorders for Here Now in February through mid-March.

Correction, 3:56 pm: The original story incorrectly referred to the name of the product. The correct name is Here One.