BARCELONA, August 7, 2018 – A picture is worth a thousand words, but what if you could hear it? Taking a step further that will redefine the idea of a vacation album, Royal Caribbean International has designed and manufactured the first tool that will transform passengers' best photos into an original soundtrack integrated with a video. This is SoundSeeker™, an innovative, patent-pending digital experience powered by artificial intelligence (AI), which took more than a year to develop.
By visiting http://soundseeker.com/, users can upload three photos, which AI will then analyze based on color, scenery, background, emotion, body language, and facial expression. SoundSeeker will transform them into a unique soundtrack perfect for sharing. Fans can stay up-to-date by following Royal Caribbean on social media or using the hashtag #SoundSeeker.
In the words of Jim Berra, Chief Marketing Officer of Royal Caribbean International: “SoundSeeker is Royal Caribbean’s latest commitment to innovation, proof that we focus on delivering memorable moments and experiences, as with SkyPad, which combines bungee jumping with virtual reality, or VOOM, the fastest internet connection at sea. ” He adds: “People of all ages want to share their unforgettable experiences on social media, and this tool takes a unique, multi-sensory, 360-degree turn on the idea of sharing your memories – now your friends and followers can see and hear your adventures.”
Royal Caribbean has worked with experts from Berklee College of Music and technicians from around the world to create this unique sound generator. Berklee advanced the music theory by creating a guide for the tool that helps match music to photos, justifying pitch, rhythm, and instrumental combinations, among other things.
“We are thrilled to be working with Royal Caribbean International on this innovative tool and process that has redefined creative collaboration,” said Panos A. Panay, Berklee Vice President for Innovation and Strategy and Managing Director of BerkleeICE. “BerkleeICE’s work expands our students’ definition of what can be achieved with music education, pushing the boundaries of creative expression through technology. By leveraging AI, we create personalized soundtracks for cherished memories, and together, we have created a new way to share experiences.
SoundSeeker uses machine learning, an artificial intelligence technique that allows computers to simulate human intelligence and make decisions on their own without explicit instructions. The learning process involved more than 600 hours in which Royal Caribbean and a team of musicians and technicians reviewed hundreds of songs along with 10,000 photographs, matching each of the 2.5 million combinations to one of 10 moods.
SoundSeeker's AI uses Google Cloud Vision to identify objects, facial expressions, and colors in user-uploaded photos, drawing on a guide developed by leading music theory experts at Berklee College of Music. Royal Caribbean's tool is equipped to generate over a million songs inspired by a wide variety of musical styles, including 90s hip-hop, rock, and dance.
SoundSeeker is the latest technological innovation from Royal Caribbean. With a nearly 50-year legacy of innovation, the cruise line has pioneered technological advancements such as: SeaSeeker , a Snapchat-style diving mask ; VOOM , the fastest internet connection at sea; Virtual Balconies , virtual staterooms in interior cabins; RFID technology ; cocktails served by robots at the Bionic Bar ; and a mobile app with X-ray vision for areas of the ship that are not visible to the public, such as the bridge.
Royal Caribbean continues to surpass expectations with its ships and onboard and shore experiences designed to thrill even the most tech-savvy travelers. The Symphony of the Seas , launched in March 2018, represented a culmination of the brand's most exceptional features and digital innovations.
