Deaf gamers can see sounds thanks to Holland startup | mlive
Audio Radar creator Tim Murphy wasn’t out to create a video game product for deaf gamers, but now they’re some of his biggest fans.
Audio Radar, the latest product from Holland-based startup Airdrop Gaming, incorporates a system of light signals fitted around the user’s TV screen synced to in-game sounds, giving enhanced spatial awareness, particularly for deaf and hard of hearing gamers.
The system is compatible with PC and the latest gaming consoles. It works best with shooting and survival games that incorporate 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound, according to the company website.
Murphy leverages experience as a U.S. Navy radar tech of six years. He also worked in product design and brand development for 12 years at Whirlpool Corp.
He also is an avid gamer and would stay connected with his former Navy buddies via Friday-night Halo games.
Unfortunately for them, Murphy would often bring an advantage to their gaming sessions in the form of an LED suctioned to the center of his TV screen that functioned as an aim assist.
“My friends could tell I was using it, because I was better than I typically would be,” he said. “I would never aim at people. I would just run-and-gun, shooting from the hip.”
