What is Sony's goal of "creating new experiences" with wireless earphones "LinkBuds"-Keitai Watch
Talk session
After the product introduction, a talk session was held.
In the talk session, in addition to Mr. Nakamura and Mr. Ito from Sony, Niantic President Notsuto Murai, Spotify Japan CEO Tony Ellison, and Microsoft Japan Managing Executive Officer Nobuhiko Watanabe took the stage. .
Regarding the feeling of using "LinkBuds", Mr. Murai of Niantic said, "There are three things that I thought were amazing, one is that the sound is very clear. I sometimes use (earphones) in , but the call quality was very good at that time.I was also surprised that it can be used safely because the outside sound comes in well."
Mr. MuraiMr. Tony of Spotify Japan said with a smile, "(LinkBuds) became a family scramble. The fresh concept was very exciting, so this year's gift is decided."
In addition, Mr. Watanabe of Microsoft Japan said, "When I listened to the music, I was unexpectedly immersed. I could also feel the depth of the sound, and it was a very good experience."
Mr. Tony Mr. WatanabeRegarding the creation of new experiences through collaboration with partners, Mr. Nakamura of Sony said, "It was several years ago that the concept of LinkBuds came up, but at that time it was already 'a match for hardware specs. I felt that it was necessary to create user experiences and new services, rather than products.' From there, we talked about various things with our partners, and (three companies) came to visit us today. I'm overwhelmed with emotion," he commented.
Niantic, which works on the location information game "Ingress", aims to create a new AR (Augmented Reality) experience in collaboration with Sony.
Mr. Murai, who described "Ingress" as "an encampment game that takes place on the earth and interacts all over the world", said, "(in Ingress), it is possible to approach places that have been expressed in images until now. I would like to be able to hear the sound, and to be able to express with the sound which faction it belongs to."
Related articleSony and Niantic collaborate on voice AR, first with "Ingress x LinkBuds"
Next, Mr. Watanabe of Microsoft Japan mentioned the 3D audio map application "Soundscape". The app is equipped with functions such as transmitting map data in 3D voice, and the Japanese version was released along with the announcement of "LinkBuds."
By linking with "LinkBuds", which recognizes the orientation of the head with a compass and gyro sensor, users will be able to listen to voices from their destination without having to carry a smartphone.
Mr. Watanabe referred to Microsoft's stance of promoting diversity and inclusion, saying, "For example, people with visual impairments can safely enjoy walking around town."
In addition, in light of the increased use of the collaboration tool "Microsoft Teams" due to the impact of the new coronavirus, he said, "We would like to explore collaboration (with Sony) on Teams."
Spotify Japan's Tony said, "Our mission of 'delivering music to people all over the world anytime and anywhere' and LinkBuds' vision of delivering a 'listening environment that is closely related to daily life' is a strange combination. I got the impression that they are doing it," he commented.
"LinkBuds" is linked with the "Spotify Tap" function, allowing you to easily control music. Mr. Tony said, "I've been using LinkBuds since last week, and I was boasting to my company members and family that 'I can use Spotify so seamlessly.'" I want it," he said.
