Skip to main content

No cell signal? No sweat. Send files via high-frequency sound waves with app

lisnr transfer files audio 11912898 l
Auremar/123RF
Could we replace near-field communication (NFC) and QR codes with ultrasonic tech that allows users to send data via audio? A startup called Lisnr certainly thinks so — and it’s providing the tools to help.

Lisnr’s solution involves something called Smart Tones, which transmit data in the audio frequency range of 18.7 kHz to 19.2 kHz, making it inaudible for 49 out of every 50 people.

Recommended Videos

“These high frequency sound waves can transmit data using a speaker to and between any smart devices with a microphone,” CEO Rodney Williams told Digital Trends. “Using the existing audio infrastructure and hardware in an environment, our Smart Tones are played on their own or added as a layer into existing media. A device with the Lisnr SDK installed will recognize the presence of a Smart Tone when it comes into range. Once a tone is heard, the SDK demodulates the audio for information and performs the specified function on the device based on the data contained in the tone.”

Please enable Javascript to view this content

Lisnr isn’t the only company to try transferring data via audio. For example, Google Nearby uses near-ultrasonic tech to transfer data between Android devices. Where Lisnr’s tech differs is in its ability to transfer 5 to 10 times the number of bits per second of its closest rival. Its commercially available software currently boasts transfer speeds of 300bps, but its beta tech can carry out transfers at a massive 1,000-3,000bps.

In terms of possible applications, Williams points out that there are many. “We currently have live implementations with well-known clients in many industries, such as sports, broadcast, live events, retail, and automotive,” he said. These clients include major brands such as Cisco, Intel, and Visa, car companies such as Jaguar Land Rover, as well as sports teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indianapolis Colts.

Some use-cases for the tech include seamless mobile payments, personalization technology like a car that recognizes who’s driving it, and more secure offline data transfer. No, you probably won’t be using it to transfer HD movies — and the fact that the receiving and issuing devices need to be in audible proximity means long-range data transfer isn’t possible — but this is pretty neat tech all the same.

Luke Dormehl
Former Digital Trends Contributor
I'm a UK-based tech writer covering Cool Tech at Digital Trends. I've also written for Fast Company, Wired, the Guardian…
Hyundai Ioniq 5 sets world record for greatest altitude change
hyundai ioniq 5 world record altitude change mk02 detail kv

When the Guinness World Records (GWR) book was launched in 1955, the idea was to compile facts and figures that could finally settle often endless arguments in the U.K.’s many pubs.

It quickly evolved into a yearly compilation of world records, big and small, including last year's largest grilled cheese sandwich in the world.

Read more
Global EV sales expected to rise 30% in 2025, S&P Global says
ev sales up 30 percent 2025 byd sealion 7 1stbanner l

While trade wars, tariffs, and wavering subsidies are very much in the cards for the auto industry in 2025, global sales of electric vehicles (EVs) are still expected to rise substantially next year, according to S&P Global Mobility.

"2025 is shaping up to be ultra-challenging for the auto industry, as key regional demand factors limit demand potential and the new U.S. administration adds fresh uncertainty from day one," says Colin Couchman, executive director of global light vehicle forecasting for S&P Global Mobility.

Read more
Faraday Future could unveil lowest-priced EV yet at CES 2025
Faraday Future FF 91

Given existing tariffs and what’s in store from the Trump administration, you’d be forgiven for thinking the global race toward lower electric vehicle (EV) prices will not reach U.S. shores in 2025.

After all, Chinese manufacturers, who sell the least expensive EVs globally, have shelved plans to enter the U.S. market after 100% tariffs were imposed on China-made EVs in September.

Read more