Podscanning: Audio microcontent and synchronous communication for mobile devices

Over the past decade, computationally powerful audio communication devices have become commonplace. Mobile devices have high storage capacity for digital audio, and smartphones or networked PDAs can be used to stream internet radio and download podcasts. However, applications that allow mobile devices to be used for synchronous communication (such as person-to-person audio interaction and listening to broadcast synchronous audio) are distinct from applications that allow stored audio playback. To demonstrate the benefits of more fluidity in mobile user interfaces between asynchronous audio and synchronous audio playback, I have implemented a new user interface approach audio scanning that merges these data types in a single user interface. A combined interface must solve two different research problems. Asynchronous messaging queues grow longer without constant user intervention. Synchronous audio, on the other hand, can be disruptive and transient. To address these problems, a timing heuristic is used in audio scanning to allow sporadic yet controlled delivery of organized audio bursts. To lessen the burden of user interaction with a graphical user interface on a mobile device, a single-button user interface allows control of audio presentation. Two exploratory systems implementing an audio scanning interface are described, allowing comparison to alternate audio systems and approaches. The first implementation, Hearplay, demonstrates the utility of audio scanning in a social audio appliance, designed to be available as an always-on system. The second implementation, Hearwell, demonstrates a use of audio scanning on a mobile phone to help individuals achieve wellness goals. The design and utility of the scanning interface is critiqued for both implementations. Thesis Supervisor: Christopher Schmandt Title: Principal Research Scientist, MIT Media Laboratory