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How we listen to music has changed over the centuries. Today, we have high-tech noise-cancelling ear buds that provide the highest quality experience. In the near future, we will be able to listen to music in public without headphones. New technology will aim beams of sound at us, without other people hearing. This means we will have conversations in public without others listening in. Researchers in the USA developed an innovation called "audio enclaves". The ultrasound waves used for this cannot be heard on their way to the receiver. The waves can also be bent to get around obstacles.
Lead researcher Jiaxin Zhong spoke to "The Conversation" website. He said: "We essentially created a virtual headset. Someone within an audible enclave can hear something meant only for them, enabling…quiet zones." He spoke about potential uses of the technology. Museums could give headphone-free audio guides to visitors. Car passengers could listen to music without distracting the driver. People could set up enclaves to ensure their conversations are not overheard. We could also receive personalized ads in shopping malls. Audio enclaves could also eliminate noise in offices.
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