Chirp

Chirp makes software that sends data between devices using sound, with no network connection needed. A speaker and a microphone are all the hardware required.

The company came out of acoustics and communications research at University College London and launched in 2011. It offers both audible and near-ultrasonic versions of its protocols.

What Chirp offers

• Standard SDKs — interoperable software development kits that run on many platforms.
• Custom SDKs — versions built to a partner's specific requirements.
• Audible and inaudible protocols — sound-based data transfer in two forms.
• Error correction and decoding — patent-pending decoder technology to keep transfers dependable.

Who it works with

Telecommunications, financial services, IoT, entertainment and broadcasting, games, toys, robotics and transport. Past projects include industrial networks at a nuclear power operator, a ticketing system for a bus service in India, a telecoms wallet and a video game.

Key facts

• Founded: 2011
• Origin: University College London
• Method: data transfer by sound without a network connection