Accessibility Request: Audible COmpass

[Caplin]

Hi All,

I've been trying to find a reasonable way to fly towards targets, via supercruise or otherwise, and it seems most of the information about the direction to go is conveyed visually. SOme sort of audible compass indication would be very much appreciated, so I could get a sense of whether I need to turn my ship, and perhaps in what direction. Audio games have traditionally done something like this via stereo tones, varying either the pitch or position in the field, or perhaps volume.

THis is of course just a first step towards accessible flying, but I figured it would be worth suggesting. I don't know how much this would be possible to accomplish without Frontier's help, but that's why I'm here.

 

[moorison]

That sounds interesting, the wave scanner works similar to that already (without the choice of a specific target). It might be a bit harder in 3D-space. I am not sure how effective it would be with sound sources above or below the ship, if they are clearly discernible.

 

[Caplin]

YEah, I've not messed with the scanner yet. An alternativemight be some kind of numeric indication or verbal directions, though that might be harder for unrelated reasons.

I'd guess we'd need some kind of audible gravity well indication too, from what I understand about how flight works. Maybe an audible "slowing," warning, if one doesn't already exist.

 

[Siobhan]

That sounds interesting, the wave scanner works similar to that already (without the choice of a specific target). It might be a bit harder in 3D-space. I am not sure how effective it would be with sound sources above or below the ship, if they are clearly discernible.

Hmm, binaural separation for port/starboard as expected, and maybe pitch for above/below, and volume/beep-rate for how close to centre.
It'd take some practice but I'm sure most could work it out ...

 

[moorison]

Hmm, binaural separation for port/starboard as expected, and maybe pitch for above/below, and volume/beep-rate for how close to centre.
It'd take some practice but I'm sure most could work it out ...

That could work, I expect the atmospheric sounds would have to be disabled to not confuse too much. There are useful audio notifications to consider as well.

 

[Caplin]

I imagine targeting another ship is another question entirely, though I haven't been involved in any combat yet to confirm it. I am curious, are atmospheric sounds on by default? Maybe I'm just not in a position to hear any, as I think I left myself in deep space last time I played.