Crazy new device plays directional sound waves that only the target can hear – BGR

Imagine being able to have a conversation with someone in a crowded room without anyone else hearing what you’re saying. That’s the promise of a new device that’s been developed by researchers at the University of Sussex, who are hoping to change the way we think about sound. The device, called a “hyperacoustic directional loudspeaker,” uses advanced acoustic technology to focus sound waves so that they only reach a specific target.

The researchers at the University of Sussex have been working on this technology for years, and their latest prototype has proven to be extremely effective in lab tests. They have developed a method of creating directional sound waves that can be aimed precisely at a single target, even in a noisy environment. These targeted sound waves travel through the air, just like normal sound waves, but instead of spreading out in all directions, they remain tightly focused on the desired target. This means that only the target can hear the sound, even if there are other people standing nearby.

This new technology has a number of potential applications, including:

* **Targeted advertising:** Businesses could use it to target specific customers with ads that they’re likely to be interested in.
* **Surveillance:** Law enforcement agencies could use it to eavesdrop on conversations without being detected.
* **Communication in noisy environments:** People in noisy environments, such as construction sites or factories, could use it to communicate with each other without shouting.
* **Private conversations:** People could use it to have private conversations in public without having to worry about being overheard.
* **Assistive technology:** People with hearing impairments could use it to hear conversations in noisy environments without having to strain their ears.

However, the technology has also raised ethical concerns. Some critics worry that it could be used for surveillance and manipulation, potentially harming people’s privacy and free speech. There are also concerns that the technology could be used to target individuals for harassment or abuse.

The researchers at the University of Sussex have acknowledged the ethical concerns and are working to address them. They are exploring ways to make the technology more transparent and accountable, and they are working with policymakers to ensure that it is used ethically.

This new technology is still in its early stages of development, but it has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about sound. Its applications are vast and potentially transformative, but the ethical considerations cannot be ignored. As this technology continues to evolve, it will be important to ensure that it is used responsibly and for the benefit of society.