Don’t get all shaken up. You are not being haunted by some spirits from the other world. The voices you heard were advertisements which can be heard only when you rest your head against the train window.

Developed by BBDO Germany on behalf of Sky Deutschland, these ads use vibration technology just like headphones and will be audible only when there is physical contact between the source and listener. This sort of selective advertising will allow much freedom to those sick and tired of listening to ads on trains.

And the most eerie thing about the technology is that the sounds appear to come from inside the listener’s head. This really can mess up with a person’s brain. The technology that uses the principle of conduction transmits sounds directly to the inner ear through the skull. Yes, they are literally putting things in our minds.

BBDO said, “Some people don’t like advertising in general. But this is really a new technology. [It might] not only be used for advertising, but also for music, entertainment, mass transport information, weather reports and so on.”

The reactions:

Last we heard passengers were moaning about not being able to sleep in trains. There has been some outrage too. Some online users said they would prefer to “take a sledgehammer to the window.”

Presently, the technology is being tested only in Germany. Lenny, our old spy from Switzerland, was also heard muttering something about transmitting information through windows of trains and planes. Methinks planes can provide soothing music through its windows, without disturbing other passengers. How nice. No headphones needed. Just lean your head against the window.

Tip: Don’t board this train after watching a horror movie. If you have to, do not dare to fall asleep on the window.