New iOS App Uses Audio Recognition to Provide 3rd-Party Info About Claims Made in TV Ads For/From Presidential Candidates

Here’s a new app that’s useful, cool, and utilizes audio recognition technology.
Today, you can say hello to the SuperPAC App for iOS (free).
It was developed by Glassy Media, a company that was “hatched” at the MIT Media Lab.

How Does It Work

Simply launch the SuperPAC app and then simply hold your iPhone/iPad/iPod up to your television while a presidential television advertisement is airing.
The user then receives, “objective, third-party information.”
Think Shazam or SoundHound but instead of info about songs/recording artists your presented with info about the presidential campaign ad your viewing.
For those who like sharing their opinion about the ad, there is a social angle too.

The Super PAC App allows the user to rate the ad, while understanding who and how much money is behind the ad, what claims the ad is making, and whether those claims are based on facts.

The app’s download page notes that ads from Super PACS and direct from the campaign are recognized.
Learn More/Download the SuperPAC App
Get ready to see more and more tools and apps utilizing audio recognition technology.
Even prior to today’s launch, the app has been getting plenty of attention. Here are three examples.

Coverage

• Untangling political ads with swipe of a finger (Boston Globe)

“Your TV is going to be screaming political ads at you, especially if you live in a swing state,” said Dan Siegel, 28, who co-created Super PAC App, which is scheduled to be downloadable for free in time for the Republican National Convention on Aug. 27. “To help users or voters to learn a little bit more about the information that is being thrown at them: We think that’s incredibly important.”

• Confused by negative campaign ads? There’s an app (or 2) for that (GigaOm)

• Audio: SuperPAC App
  A report about the app from On the Media.

Filed under: Patrons and Users