LOCAL Houston | The City Guide February 2017 | Page 30

ART

LISTEN UP 3D AUDIOBOOKS BOOST CHILDREN ’ S COGNITIVE SKILLS

Introducing the art of sound – KOOB™ Virtual Reality Audiobooks . It ’ s the first and only 3D audiobook library that takes the listener – a child – into an imagination journey never experienced before . It ’ s world-class , state-of-the-art learning , created in Katy .
Now , for the first time , audio technology makes it possible for sound to convey actual experiences that make the listener feel immersed in the story , like ‘ living inside the story .’ Using patented binaural beats and 3D sound technologies , the listener ’ s brain is tricked into thinking it ’ s experiencing sounds firsthand and they become part of the story as they engage in active imagination .
Says LEONARDO BASTERRA , co-founder of koob , “ As a parent myself , I continuously struggle in finding the right balance between exposing my kids to technology or the right amount of screen time , and their ability to develop critical skills like creativity , imagination and communication . That is why our first batch of 3D audiobooks will be some of the greatest children ’ s stories ever written , and kids will have the most wonderful experience listening to them in virtual reality sound .”
Backed by scientific evidence , koob claims that by listening to stories in binaural or 3D audio formats , children become quicker thinkers and better problem solvers . In an abstract by the National Center of Biotechnology ( NCBI ), the report highlights auditory beat simulation ( ABS ), as “ a promising tool ” to positively impact cognitive skills . In other words , by translating words and sounds to image , and connecting them to memories , dreams and larger ideas , children stimulate parts of the brain , which further develop cognitive skills .
“ We believe this unique audio technology can be leveraged to further develop and strengthen our independent thinking , imagination and creativity . Our goal is to evolve the audiobook as we know it , and build a massive library of 3D stories in multiple genres , including fantasy , adult fiction , religion and therapy , among others ,” said MARIA TAPIAS , koob ’ s other co-founder .
How does this offer sound ? Koob will release a batch of 40 audiobooks by the end of 2017 , and is currently inviting everyone to their website , www . koobaudio . com , to experience their first two children ’ s storybooks . Sign up for news , updates and rewards in anticipation of the koob Virtual Reality Audiobooks launch in Google Play , Apple Store and Audible . com in Spring 2017 .
By Tim Moloney Photography Photography courtesy provided of Smart by Financial koob ™ Centre
30 LOCAL | february 17