I just spotted this tonight, and thought I’d give you all a quick heads up on it. When you thought you’d exhausted every little thing you could perform with your iPhone, you find something you missed. There are many uses for your iPhone’s microphone, but this one is quite a bit different to the others. App developers have realised that the microphone can actually pick up air being blown through it, and this is the basis of Ocarina.
Ocarina developed by Smule is a 59p/$0.99 electronic synth flute for iPhone. Basically you blow into your iPhone, and use the touch screen to control the pitch of the sound by covering virtual holes -and if you thought this was just a fly-by-night gimmick, then think again …
[Update 09.10.08 @ 13.20pm] - Version 1.0.1 released. Adds “sound quality improvement for first generation iPhones”. The application was originally made to work effectively on iPhone 3G.
[Update] - One Mac Rumor member notes Smule are providing a way through their site to upload your own custom scores for others to use!
Another says that Ocarina is the:
“Coolest show-off “look what my phone can do!!!” App yet.”
Original Article:
Smule says it considers Ocarina [App Store] an actual instrument for both beginners and professional alike, and as with all instruments you must learn how to play.
To get started with Ocarina, go here. They’ve even published full Ocarina-focused scores for some well known tracks including; Amazing Grace, Song of Time and Joy to the World.
Social
As with all Smule products, you can see who else has (and is currently using) Ocarina, through it’s globe view. Like what you hear? - You can even leave other peoples creations playing through your iPhone’s speakers while in sleep.
It’s worth noting that iPod touch users won’t be able to use Ocarina without Apple’s new headphones featuring the built in mic.
It’s one of those party-trick apps isn’t it? - One of those things you’d pull out, to get people to look at you. It’s pretty fun, 59p and actually it sounds a hell of a lot better than I was expecting it to sound.
Check them out: Smule
Head on over to the App Store: Ocarina
December 31st, 2008 at 8:10 PM
Why the heck would I want my phone to do this? Silly heading. Lets see an Iphone play stereo music music playing through bluetooth headsets! To me this is much more important.
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