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Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Ocarina is the “first true musical instrument created for the iPhone. Ocarina is sensitive to your breath, touch and movements, making it even more versatile than the original [instrument]. Unlike other musical applications, there are no pre-compiled riffs so musicians will find unlimited opportunities for self-expression. Advanced options allow you to choose between diatonic, minor and harmonic scales.” You blow into the iPhone microphone and use your fingers to play the “keys” on the screen.

Ocarina is also a social application. “Tap on the globe icon and you will see and hear other Ocarina players throughout the world. The globe view will highlight the source of the music. Rate your favorite performances so that others may benefit from your judgment. Name your Ocarina if you want listeners around the world to identify your performances.” Download the app at the iTunes store for $.99. According to the company, the app is optimized for 3G phones. For first generation phones, they recommend upgrading to the 2.2 firmware when it becomes available.

I’m amazed by the video above and others on their site.  This app is one of the first to really take advantage of all the unique features of the iPhone. Downloading and installing the app now!

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Tags: ocarina, app, iphone, music
Network: youtube
Posted by Emily Chang at 01:15 AM - RSS

1 comment(s)

I have the 2G phone and there are many bugs that interfere with the smooth functionality of the app. The biggest problem I’ve seen is the response time. It slows down the playing. The second is the need to quit and restart the app repeatedly.

However, Ocarina uses the standard English fingering for four hole ocarinas, which allows one to move from a real ocarina to the app and back again. Allowing for vibrato depending on the iPhone angle is a nice touch. Hearing people play the app from all over the world is definitely an amazing feature as well.

Overall, I’ve really enjoyed the app despite it’s buggy 2G implementation. If you have a 3G, then I hope you enjoy Ocarina to the fullest.

D

Comment by Douglas Cootey on  11/19  at  01:50 AM

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