IBM is at work developing a type of audible system which will integrate with virtual worlds like Second Life to give descriptions of surroundings and items to the visually impaired. The technology will provide ambient sound such as leaves rustling to indicate the presence of a tree, and with integrated text-to-speech software users can hear the in-game chats.
This is cool and all but we can’t help wondering if the use of such technology for virtual worlds is a bit of a waste, there are important things to do online. You know. Like blogging.