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AudioFetch Blog Header - 2022 Wireless Audio Streaming Predictions

5 Predictions for Wireless Audio Streaming in 2022

By | Education, Food for thought, Hearing Assistance, Home Audio, Wireless Audio | No Comments

As A/V technologies grow more advanced and consumers become more reliant on their smartphone devices, we expect the field of local audio over WiFi to continue growing in the new year. Below are our 5 predictions for wireless audio streaming in 2022.

1. Increased Focus on Accessibility 

If there is one positive thing to come out of the past two years it’s that we have all become more aware of the health challenges and disabilities of others. That includes individuals with hearing impairments. 

This spotlight on hearing has lead to a focus on providing more and better accessibility options in theaters and churches. We predict this focus will continue to grow in 2022, with even more businesses and organizations using audio over WiFi for hearing assistance. The venues we anticipate will grow the most are schools and universities, hospitals and conferences and convention centers.

2. Social Distancing Will Still Be Important

No, unfortunately, we are not yet done with social distancing. As new variants continue to spread throughout the word (and there will be more no doubt, Omicron is not the final one), we’re going to have to continue maintaining safer distances in certain public establishments and spaces.

Wireless audio streaming is a simple, flexible and affordable way to permit social distancing, while allowing businesses to stay open and provide entrainment options. Expect this to continue throughout most if not all of 2022.

3. New Applications Will Be Discovered

We get calls from folks all the time that want to know, “Will AudioFetch work for X?” or “Can I use AudioFetch for Y?” And 99.9% of the time, our answer is yes! 

AudioFetch is so flexible, so simple and so affordable, there are near-infinite uses. We could never rattled them all off or list them all on our site. Heck, we haven’t even thought of some of them! But if it has to do with helping people hear better in public venues or at home, AudioFetch can probably help! 

Take Itchy-O for example, a 57-member avant-garde marching band and performance music group based in Denver, CO. The Itchy-O band leader uses AudioFetch to communicate with the other members as they dance throughout the crowd during their performances. We certainly couldn’t have imagined this application, but what a cool use and perfectly suited use for AudioFetch! 

4. More Businesses Using Wireless Audio Distribution

Interest in using AudioFetch for wireless audio distribution has grow significantly in the past couple years as businesses look for more flexible and affordable audio solutions that meet the needs of today’s tech-savvy consumer. AudioFetch has replaced the existing wireless audio distribution system for a music festival and race track, and we expect to see even more businesses using AudioFetch in this way in 2022. 

5. Continued Interest in Home Entertainment Options

We’ve all spent a lot of time at home these past couple years. And while there were certainly times when the cabin fever seemed unbearable and we would have rather been ANYWHERE else on the planet, collectively, we have all learned how to be at home more, and some folks even now prefer it.

Just because we’re staying home more, however, doesn’t mean we don’t want to be entertained. This is clear when you look at all the home-focused technology to come out of CES this year. We especially loved Samsung’s The FreeStyle projector that would be perfect for hosting outdoor movie nights with AudioFetch Home as the audio solution! 

We are choosing to stay positive and have an optimistic outlook for 2022. We look forward to working with even more large franchises, mom and pop businesses and individuals to help more people hear better in both commercial and residential spaces. 

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World Lutheran Deaf Outreach Ministry Provides Hearing Assistance with AudioFetch

By | AudioFetch News, Churches, Hearing Assistance | No Comments

We’re proud to work with businesses and organizations that help to bring communities together and raise awareness about hearing health around the world. We wanted to highlight a commendable organization that we’ve recently had the pleasure of working with to provide an assistive listening solution–World Lutheran Deaf Outreach Ministry.

Meet World Lutheran Deaf Outreach Ministry

World Lutheran Deaf Ministry Logo

World Lutheran Deaf Outreach Ministry (WLDO) seeks to connect with the 98% of deaf and hard of hearing individuals who do not attend church because of hearing concerns. Various factors–sentence structure, passive voice, inefficient hearing assistance devices–have historically made attending services a challenge, but WLDO is changing that! Through resources, training, worship, and small group study, WLDO is helping deaf and hard of hearing people come together where they previously couldn’t. 

WLDO has deaf ministries in locations around the country, including Emmanuel Lutheran Church of the Deaf in Milwaukee, WI, Our Savior Deaf Lutheran Church in Madison, WI, Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Delavan, WI, Life in Christ Church in Peoria, AZ, Trinity Lutheran Church in Litchfield Park, AZ, Holy-Three-In-One Lutheran Deaf Church in Houston, TX, and St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson, MS. 

How WLDO Discovered AudioFetch for Assistive Listening

We were introduced to WLDO through a customer that had previously purchased our home audio streaming solution, AudioFetch Home. “My hearing is significantly impaired (60% loss) and I really can’t understand TV programs,” says Galen Stanely, who purchased AudioFetch Home in November 2020. “With AudioFetch Home streaming to my Bluetooth hearing aids via my iPhone, the audio is crystal clear. I use it every day.” 

After having such a positive experience with Home, Galen recommended AudioFetch to his pastor. “Our WLDO pastor ministers full time to hearing impaired and deaf people in our area and all across the US,” Galen added. “He uses the highly mobile AudioFetch Express for both worship and small group study while visiting many churches and congregations.”

The Most Affordable Assistive Listening Solution for Churches

Houses of worship around the world use AudioFetch Express as simple, affordable, and flexible assistive listening devices for churches, as well as to provide real-time translation services. AudioFetch eliminates the need for maintenance-intensive and unhygienic assistive listening devices or expensive and complex hearing loop systems. It’s simple to install and easy for listeners to use via the free AudioFetch app on their smartphone or tablet. 

If you’re looking for an effective and cost-efficient way to provide accessibility for your hearing-impaired members, AudioFetch is the ideal solution! Contact us by calling 844-HI-FETCH or scheduling an appointment to discuss your house of worship application and free get a quote. 

AudioFetch Blog Header - Theater Assistive Listening

Performing Arts Centers Use AudioFetch for Assistive Listening Solution

By | Hearing Assistance, Theater | No Comments

As theaters and performing arts centers around the globe begin to reopen, one key thing is on their mind–how can we provide a safe yet entertaining experience for guests? This question has led many to reconsider their accessibility solutions for guests with hearing impairments. 

How have theaters traditionally provided hearing assistance? 

There were two key methods for providing assistive listening solutions–shared hearing devices and hearing loops. 

Handing out hearing devices is no longer acceptable–these shared devices have always been a headache to clean and maintain, but now the stakes are much higher than a little headache. 

Hearing loops have been used for decades, but they can be complex, inconvenient and expensive, and after many theaters had to close their doors for the better part of a year, every penny matters.

Enter AudioFetch. Theaters and performing arts centers around the world are turning to AudioFetch as their assistive listening solution for three key reasons:

  • Simplicity – Plug AudioFetch in, connect to WiFi and start broadcasting immediately.
  • Affordability – At just $549 and no monthly fees, AudioFetch Express is a fraction of the cost of other assistive listening solutions.
  • Convenience – No more keeping track of clunky, finicky and unhygienic assistive listening devices. Listeners use their own smartphones.

Check out these three performing arts centers that recently tapped AudioFetch to provide assistive listening. 

The Star Performing Arts Center

The Star Centre - AudioFetch Audio Over WiFi

The Star Performing Arts Center is a Civic and Cultural Zone in Singapore. The Center comprises many elements: The Star Terrace, an airy outdoor theater; The Star Loft, an exclusive event space and rooftop terrace; The Star Gallery, a state-of-the-art multi-purpose hall; and The Star Theatre, Singapore’s first 5,000 seat theater. The Star Theater is the key venue in the Center and is fitted with a high-end audio, video and production lighting system, providing an exceptional audio-visual experience. And with the addition of AudioFetch, they’re also able to provide next-gen assistive listening capabilities for their diverse audiences.

GoggleWorks Center for the Arts

GoggleWorks Arts Center - AudioFetch Audio Over WiFi

GoggleWorks Center for the Arts in Reading, Pennsylvania is focused on transforming lives through unique interactions with art. Since 2005, GoggleWorks has encouraged their community to develop skills, ask questions, experiment freely and investigate the human spirit through workshops, classes, visiting artists, community outreach programs, summer residency, youth programs and camps, on-site studio artists, film screenings, art exhibitions and communal maker studios. The building is a former goggle factory, hence the name, and is composed of 145,000 square feet of creative and community space. 

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre front FB - AudioFetch Audio Over WiFi

Metropolis Performing Arts Center is a non-profit organization based in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Their theater houses 329 seats and hosts hundreds of performances each year, including concerts, comedy and cabarets. Through the Metropolis School of Performing Arts, they provide students of all ages with private lessons, group classes, workshops, camps, productions and community engagement. 

If you’re looking for an effective and cost-efficient way to provide accessibility for your hearing-impaired patrons, AudioFetch is the ideal solution! Contact us by calling 844-HI-FETCH or scheduling an appointment to discuss your theater application and get a quote. 

AudioFetch Blog Header - Stadium Listening

New Stadium Listening Solution by AudioFetch

By | AudioFetch News, Stadiums | No Comments

Experiencing a live sporting event, concert, speaker or other big performance involves all five senses. Seeing the video screens and special effects. Smelling the hot dogs cooking on the grill. Feeling the cool summer night breeze. Tasting that first sip of ice cold beer. Listening to the play-by-play commentary or catching all the hit songs. Each of these senses is important, but it’s that last one–hearing–that is so important for live events. 

Hearing enables us to connect with the world and people around us, and allows us to enjoy life to its fullest. It also helps keep us safe in potentially threatening or emergency situations. So when fans can’t hear in noisy stadiums or arenas, they can miss out on the high points of the event or even critical announcements. 

That’s why we’re so excited to announce a new local WiFi audio streaming solution–Stadium Listening

“Accessibility and experience are incredibly important to stadiums and large arenas,” says Tim DePumpo, CEO of AudioFetch. “They want each and every person at that event to enjoy each and every aspect of the performance. And audio is a major, if not the most important part.”

This new solution allows thousands of listeners to hear live local audio on their smartphone or tablet using the AudioFetch app. It’s ideal for attendees with hearing disabilities or simply those that want to clearly hear the main event over hollering vendors, cheering fans, blaring vuvuzelas and other miscellaneous event din. Any venue that draws a large crowd–sports stadiums, concert arenas, large auditoriums, indoor or outdoor amphitheaters–can use this new audio streaming solution to provide hearing assistance for attendees. 

“When we first developed AudioFetch, we were focused on smaller venues and smaller crowds–maybe 50 to 100 people watching games in a sports bar, or 20 people running on treadmills at the gym,” says Tim. “As the company has grown, so have the crowd sizes that want to listen. We’ve gotten interest from stadiums and large arenas around the world, and knew we needed to come up with a solution for mass listening.” 

For the stadium or event venue, it works similarly to our other local audio streaming products. Just three easy steps get you up and running: 1. Connect the audio source(s) to AudioFetch using the included cables; 2. Connect the AudioFetch to the WiFi router; and 3. Attendees download the AudioFetch App and listen in real-time. (And if you want to get technical, that’s really only two steps on you!)

For attendees, it’s the exact same process as any other venue. Simply download the AudioFetch App for Apple or Android, connect to the local WiFi and start listening! 

“We’ve spent years developing the technology to make this mass listening possible,” Tim adds. “And also spent years making sure customers and users never know how much tech is behind it. It’s so simple to get more people hearing better, and that’s our number one goal.” 

For more information on this new stadium listening solution or to learn how AudioFetch can help you and your customers hear better, contact us today

markus spiske 711232 unsplash scaled - AudioFetch Audio Over WiFi

How to Measure AudioFetch App Usage

By | General, AudioFetch News | No Comments

Do you know how often your customers and guests are using AudioFetch? What channels are most popular? Which ads are they engaging with? Understanding how your customers use AudioFetch allows you to make improvements and better understand your return on investment.

Every AudioFetch customer is provided access to cloud-based metrics showing usage of your AudioFetch audio over WiFi streaming system. The usage metrics are available at no additional charge within The Doghouse, our easy-to-use management portal.

Let’s take a look at each of the reports provided, and how you can use them for your business:

Sessions Per Day

- AudioFetch Audio Over WiFi

The Sessions Per Day report shows total sessions and unique sessions per day during the selected time frame (note: time frame can be specified in the upper right corner of any reporting view).

Look for trends in the data that indicate if any specific days of week are more popular than others. Compare these trends to other occurrences: Did you have a big event at your location? Was there a game or some other TV event happening that day? Do these numbers coincide with sales or other activity at your business?

Cumulative Listening

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On the Usage Metrics Dashboard, you can view a pie chart of Cumulative Listening Time. This chart shows every listening session that occurred during the selected time period. By clicking on any of the individual segments, you can dig into each individual listening session to understand more about how long the session lasted, what channels the person listened to, what device they used, location, whether any ads were displayed, and other details.

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Session Length

- AudioFetch Audio Over WiFi

The Sessions Length Report shows the average length of time for all listening sessions during a single day, the maximum listening time and the minimum listening time.

Top 5 Channels

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The Top 5 Channels report shows the most popular channels by total minutes your users spent listening during the selected time frame.

Use this report to help you choose what to show on the various TVs, and help optimize channel placement within your location. For example, if the majority of people listen to Channel 23, but this is only playing on one TV tucked in a corner, you should consider moving that station to a more prominent TV.

Individual Session Details

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Every single listening session is listed with numerous details, such as duration, location, device type, App Version, etc. Clicking on the “Details” link for any single entry provides more info on that session, including Channels listened to and a map of where they listened.

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These session details can be extremely useful for troubleshooting issues by device type, carrier, App version or location. If a user is having problems connecting to the wireless audio streaming, it could be that they’re using an old version of the AudioFetch app. Identifying this quickly and simply having them to upgrade the App can save you time, hassle and create a better customer experience.

Our free Usage Metrics allow you to better understand the return you get from your AudioFetch system, and improve the experience your guests have when using wireless audio streaming. For more tips on getting the most from AudioFetch, read our articles “How to Promote AudioFetch at Your Business,” “Customize Your AudioFetch App” and “How to Run Ads Through AudioFetch’s Ad Portal.”  If you have additional questions about how to get the most from your AudioFetch, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

AudioFetch Blog Header - How to Promote AudioFetch at Your Business

How to Promote AudioFetch at Your Business

By | Business, Casinos, Churches, Dining, Education, Fitness Centers, General, Restaurants, Sports Bars, Theater, Tour Guides, Waiting Rooms | No Comments

Installing AudioFetch at your business is a breeze. Getting customers to use it shouldn’t be difficult either!

Here are several ideas for announcing the addition of AudioFetch wireless audio streaming at your business, and getting more customers and guests to use it.

POST SIGNAGE

Your installation package comes with free marketing collateral to go on your TVs, table tents and cardio clings for fitness establishments to alert customers that you offer local audio over WiFi streaming, and brief instructions on how to use it. We also provide digital assets and sample messaging for promoting the availability of AudioFetch across your website, blog, email marketing, and social media channels.

Chico Sports Club uses cardio clings on their exercise equipment to alert customers about the availability of AudioFetch.

Chico Sports Club uses cardio clings on their exercise equipment to alert customers about the availability of AudioFetch. Source: Chico Sports Club instagram

Depending on your type of business, you may also consider other options for promoting it on premises:

  • Business Cards – If you’re a tour company that is on the go, business cards can be a great option. Carry a stack with you in a  pocket or fanny pack, and hand them out to each guest.
  • Fliers – Hand out small fliers or notecards to each guest with info and instructions on using AudioFetch.
  • Reception/Front Desk – Do guests need to check in before entering your venue? Alert them to your audio streaming offer right away. This will allow staff to answer any questions immediately, ensuring they download AudioFetch on their first visit.
  • POP Signage – For QSRs or other venues where guests pay before sitting down, posts signage at the register. Again, this alerts them immediately and allows staff to address questions in an efficient manner.
  • Signage on Equipmentfitness studios can add signage to each treadmill, elliptical, stationary bike, etc.
  • Posters – Hang posters around your venue and in bathroom stalls (you can’t find a more captive audience!).
  • Menus – Sports bars and restaurants can add a call out directly on menus.
  • Marquee/Outdoor Sandwich Boards – Draw customers into your venue with outdoor signage on a marquee or sandwich board. Have some fun with the message to really grab their attention!
  • Programs – For churches, lecture halls, theaters and other venues that provide programs for events, add a simple note about the availability of local audio streaming for assistive listening.

If you would additional signage or custom posters to use at your location, contact us and we can help to get you the signage you need.

UPDATE YOUR WEBSITE

Do you have a page on your site that lists amenities or other special offers at your business? Add a note about AudioFetch here. Also, consider linking back to our website–customers today are very independent and like to research new tools themselves, a direct link allows them to do this without requiring further content from your team.

UPDATE YOUR APP

If your business has it’s own app, add a link to download the AudioFetch app directly from within your app. Want to take the integration further? We’re work with businesses to integrate our audio directly into your app. Contact us to discuss this option further.

BLOG ABOUT IT

Add some more info about how to download and use AudioFetch in a blog post. Include a few short quotes from existing customers showcasing the benefits it provides. Customers trust reviews from others, so these testimonials can be very powerful in encouraging new customers to stop by your venue or event, or join your gym.

If you’ve just installed AudioFetch, you may not have many testimonials from your customers yet. Feel free to quote some of our customers; find these testimonials on our AudioFetch Customer Reviews page.

SHARE IT ON SOCIAL

Social media is an effective and efficient way to spread the word about your business and the amenities your offer. Announce that you offer audio over wifi streaming on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and/or your other social media channels.

When there’s a big event happening (e.g., Super Bowl, March Madness or World Cup at sports bars), use social media to let customers know about any specials during games and their ability to use AudioFetch. And link to the blog post to encourage users to visit your site to learn more.

The following sample copy can be used on your social media channels by simply copy/pasting:

Now you can stream the audio from any TV directly to your smartphone or tablet via the @AudioFetch app. It’s the audio you want, without any distractions. Stop by and try it out! You can download the app here:

http://bit.ly/IOSAppAF

http://bit.ly/DroidAppAF

We’ve also put together some sample imagery that you can download and share on social. Click the links below to download imagery for the various social media channels:

Fitness 1440 in Longview, TX alerts their customers to availability of AudioFetch at their gym.
Fitness 1440 in Longview, TX alerts their customers to availability of AudioFetch at their gym. Source: Fitness 1440 Facebook.

SEND OUT AN EMAIL

Email is one of the most effective methods for engaging existing customers online. Include an announcement about your AudioFetch offering immediately after installation, and make note of it frequently to remind customers to come in and use it.

We know you’re busy, so go ahead and use the following text in your communications, and adjust as needed to match the tone of your brand:

We’re excited to tell you about our new partnership with AudioFetch to provide audio streaming to our customers. AudioFetch allows us to stream the audio from any TV directly to your smartphone or tablet via the AudioFetch app. This means you get to take control of what you’re listening to without feeling chained to one spot. It’s the audio you want, wherever you are, without any distractions. Be sure to try it out the next time you stop by!

Download the AudioFetch app here:

http://bit.ly/IOSAppAF

http://bit.ly/DroidAppAF

GIVE YOUR STAFF A HEADS UP

Your employees are the face of your business, and the first place customers go when they have questions. Make sure every member of your staff knows what the AudioFetch audio streaming system is and how to reference download instructions. Encourage them to download the app on their own devices, or have a device available for them to play with it, ensuring they have a basic comfort level that AudioFetch works well and is easy to use.

MAKE A LIVE ANNOUNCEMENT

Most live events like presentations or lectures start off with some housekeeping announcements. “Silence your phones,” “Hold questions until the end,” “Use this hashtag during the event,” and “Download AudioFetch to help you hear better during the presentation.” A brief announcement with an accompanying slide, where appropriate, can increase usage and improve your guests’ experiences.

Your guest won’t use your AudioFetch system if they don’t know about it. Make them aware by promoting in and around your venue, and through your online channels.

Do you have a creative way that you’ve promoted AudioFetch at your business? We’d love to hear about it! Share your story on Facebook.