AI startup launches new technology at Scottsdale’s Smithsonian affiliate Western Spirit: Museum of the West
ListenUp, the months old local startup that has been making soundwaves throughout the valley is set to demonstrate their new audio technology at Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West at the end of this month in connection with funding efforts.
Scottsdale based founders, Irina and Igor Ilyinsky, are calling it the “Museum-to-Metropolis Experience”. As recently covered by Fox 10 News, the tech “allows anyone to hear stories throughout the museum, automatically and in any language, but instead of using borrowed headsets and radios, this post-covid technology lets you use your own device and earbuds”.
Where the technology really shines is outdoors. “As you exit the museum, the amazing City of Scottsdale becomes your museum” says Irina. “With over 150 public art installations throughout the city”, Igor continues, “in addition to the diverse history, architecture, palm trees, cacti, geology, and amazing landscapes, Scottsdale is indeed a museum. One that now offers a free multilingual tour guide at your command.” The museum’s marketing director, David Scholefield would agree. “Everyone on our team – from Tony and Jose with Facilities Management, to our executive leadership – take pride and meticulous care to assure that our visitors have a great experience. However, we don’t speak all languages and can’t all be everywhere at once. This technology allows each visitor to selectively hear the stories that interest them.”
The ListenUp app combines user-submitted stories with Artificial Intelligence to create unique programmed and real-time streaming experiences for listeners. While the initial launch will be an exclusive event for prospective investors and media, it will be available to all visitors in April (although initially only to iPhone users). In the meantime, the group welcomes anyone who lives or works in Scottsdale to submit their stories about the area for inclusion. Smartly, several city services are already taking them up on this offer. “Millions of people visit Scottsdale every year to enjoy our quality of life” says Rob Millar, Economic Development Director at City of Scottsdale. “Whether you own a business or looking to relocate your business, learning more about our community creates a positive experience.”
The Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating the occasion with a ribbon cutting ceremony, while City Council members and Mayor David Ortega provide their audio introduction through the app.
The app is continuously growing, and intends to increase capabilities over time to include music, podcasting, audiobooks, meditation and all other forms of audio media. It’s a technology the founding couple began to tinker with during the pandemic when travel options were limited. It only recently became a real business when the Ilyinsky’s began demonstrating the app to local reporter Amy Edelen of the Phoenix Business Journal, and subsequently became inundated with inquiries about partnering with the startup.
ListenUp is a D.A.O. focused on building audio-first technology, ushering in the age of screenless computing powered by Artificial Intelligence and upcoming Augmented Reality devices. Anyone can take part at JoinListenUp.com or learn more on their linktree: https://linktr.ee/joinlistenup
Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West is owned by the City of Scottsdale and managed and operated by Scottsdale Museum of the West, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.