From whereware to whence- and whitherware: Augmented audio reality for position-aware services

Since audition is omnidirectional, it is especially receptive to orientation modulation. Position can be defined as the combination of location and orientation information. Location-based or location-aware services do not generally require orientation information, but position-based services are explicitly parameterized by angular bearing as well as place. “Whereware” suggests using hyperlocal georeferences to allow applications location-awareness; “whence- and whitherware” suggests the potential of position-awareness to enhance navigation and situation awareness, especially in realtime high-definition communication interfaces, such as spatial sound augmented reality applications. Combining literal direction effects and metaphorical (remapped) distance effects in whence- and whitherware position-aware applications invites oversaturation of interface channels, encouraging interface strategies such as audio windowing, narrowcasting, and multipresence.