SoniTalk - an Open Protocol for Data-over-Sound

While interconnectedness amongst our devices increases rapidly, SoniTalk aims at developing an open protocol for ultrasonic device communication that fully preserves the privacy of the user.

Logo SoniTalk

Ultrasonic communication and our things

Internet of things technologies further promote the communication amongst our devices. Since ultrasonic communication is inaudible and requires only a minimum of hardware – a microphone and a speaker to be exact – it is used more and more for data exchange between mobile phones and other devices. It is the ideal form of communication for ad-hoc networking, near-field peer-to-peer communication or secure authentication.

Communication and Transparency

Existing software solutions for ultrasonic communication have been developed by various companies and therefore lack commitment regarding the protection of privacy of users. An open protocol is necessary to ensure safe communication and safeguard user privacy. Therefore, SoniTalk aims at an open and transparent protocol for privacy orientated ultrasonic communication. Users are able to administer the privacy settings of their applications individually and to coordinate and synchronize the communication of various applications at the same time.

Results and Outlook

SoniTalk wants to lay the foundation for innovative applications and services. All results will be published under open source license (creative commons) and can therefore benefit the development and progress of other projects.