TrendWatching Daily | Innovations

Brazilian telco’s app turns music into vibrations for hearing-impaired customers

Written by Liesbeth den Toom | Jul 25, 2025 4:30:00 AM

When the beat drops, shouldn't everyone be able to feel it? Brazilian network provider TIM has launched TIM Vibe, an innovative feature that converts audio into vibrations, giving deaf and hard-of-hearing users a new way to enjoy music. The functionality, available for free through the Meu TIM app, transforms sound waves from songs and concerts into mobile phone vibrations, creating a more immersive musical experience for those with hearing impairments.

Developed in partnership with FBDSDF and Instituto Som Da Vida — organizations focused on expanding access and inclusion — TIM Vibe demonstrates how existing smartphone technology can be repurposed to integrate accessibility directly into an everyday tool rather than requiring specialized equipment.

TREND BITE
TIM's innovation taps into a fundamental truth: music isn't just about sound but about connection, emotion and shared cultural moments. Consumers, especially younger generations, increasingly expect brands to design for empathy and belonging, not just utility. The distinction is subtle but significant — shifting from "you can use this" to "this was designed with your complete experience in mind."