Listen Technologies has launched ListenWIFI, a next-generation audio-over-WiFi assistive listening solution that lets users access audio seamlessly based on location, meeting international compliance requirements.

ListenWIFI lets venues stream audio over their wireless network to guests’ smartphones. Guests access the audio via a free app and listen with headphones or earbuds. An optional personal induction loop, also known as a neck loop, is available for guests with telecoil-equipped hearing aids or cochlear implants, allowing audio to be transmitted directly to the hearing aid or cochlear implant when the neck loop is plugged into their smart device.

“Listen Technologies was a pioneer in audio-over-WiFi technology. We launched our first WiFi solution in 2014 and have continued to enhance the product line and add features and functionality based on feedback from customers and partners,” Listen Technologies senior vice president and chief technology officer Tracy Bathurst says.

“ListenWIFI is the culmination of those collective insights and advancements. The new system delivers a truly automated experience, seamlessly connecting people to clear audio via WiFi.”

Applications for ListenWIFI include assistive listening, language interpretation, streaming audio from video or TV screens and audio description. While previous versions of Listen Technologies’ audio-over-WiFi solution had similar applications, ListenWIFI is a new platform that offers new functionality and capabilities not available from similar products in the market today.

The ListenWIFI system features new hardware including LWR-1050 dedicated receivers, new LA-490 ListenWIFI Beacons, new 2-, 4-, 8- and 16-channel servers and enhanced software that simplifies system configuration and management.

LWR-1050 receivers let schools, venues, businesses and houses of worship offer students, visitors, and guests a choice. They can access streamed audio via the free ListenWIFI app on their smartphones or simplify access to the audio using the LWR-1050. The LWR-1050 does not require users to connect to WiFi or download an app.

When used with signage and neck loops, the new receivers enable ListenWIFI to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and international compliance requirements, making ListenWIFI a global assistive listening system.

“ListenWIFI LWR-1050 dedicated receivers can be pre-configured, so users who simply turn them on are automatically connected to the venue’s audio and start streaming immediately,” Listen Technologies vice president of global sales Sam Nord says.

Beacons are small, lightweight units that can be mounted on a wall and transmit information via Bluetooth to LWR-1050 receivers or smartphones running the ListenWIFI app.

Venues can configure the LA-490 ListenWIFI Beacons to trigger LWR-1050 receivers and users’ smartphones to stream audio automatically when a person is within a specific range of the unit and lets venue managers determine coverage area and which channels a user can access.

“New ListenWIFI servers easily deploy on venues’ existing WiFi networks but can also facilitate separate standalone networks,” Sam says.

“Venues just connect servers to their network and audio sources and notify BYOD users about the free ListenWIFI app.”

The new ListenWIFI Manager software for Windows makes it easy to manage and program the ListenWIFI system. The software enables venues to manage and program the entire ListenWIFI platform with LWR-1050 receivers, LA-490 Beacons, mobile apps and servers while being able to easily track inventory, hide and password protect audio channels and generate QR codes that smartphone users can scan to access audio.