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This new radio wave app visualizes the energy all around us

The world just got a lot more astonishing.

 

Aja Romano

Tech

Posted on Nov 28, 2015   Updated on May 27, 2021, 2:15 pm CDT

We already know that the air is full of radio waves beaming across the universe. But knowing radio waves exist and having visual proof are strikingly different—and now a new app called the Architecture of Radio is making the invisible world around accessible to the naked eye.

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Created by Flemish information designer Richard Vijgen, the app aims to “reveal the invisible technological landscape” all around us. Mapping your present location via GPS, the app displays “a 360-degree visualization of signals around you.” And it looks downright incredible:

Engadget points out that the app won’t exactly serve as a functional site navigator, allowing you to follow radio wave locations to and fro. Its visualizations aren’t presented in real time and are more or less a glorified art project. Still, if the rave reviews and mesmerizing footage are anything to go by, it’s more than worth the $3 download price.

The app is currently available for Apple devices, with Android to follow in January.

H/T Engadget | Photo via Richard Vijgen

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*First Published: Nov 28, 2015, 3:30 pm CST