Lisnr developed a data-over-audio tech that has widespread applications

Founded in 2012, local startup Lisnr developed a data-over-audio technology in 2014 that could replace Bluetooth, NCR and QR code scanning.

Smart Tone doesn’t need an internet connection to work, but the speakers that are “talking” to each other have to be in close proximity to one another. Lisnr’s co-founder and CEO Rodney Williams says that his program has a lot of practical implications — Smart Tone was beta tested by ticketing companies, airlines, transportation companies, theaters, retailers, banks, mobile wallet providers, real estate companies and security firms.

Jaguar/Land Rover is now using it to personalize car settings by “talking” to the driver’s smartphone. Lisnr also just landed the world’s largest ticketing company as a customer, and Smart Tone has gone live in several locations around the globe. 

Lisnr isn’t a one-trick pony: Locally, it has teamed up with the Contemporary Arts Center for an interactive museum experience that runs through June 18.

To read more about Smart Tone and Lisnr, click here.