iPhone and iPod Touch Software Music Ocarina

Ocarina

Written by Philip Roy November 08, 2008

5.0 (1)

Software

Version	1.0.1
Cost	$1.29 NZD
Suitable For	iPhone 3G
Company/Developer	smule
Company/Product Website

Ocarina is the first true musical instrument created for the iPhone. Both experts and beginners will be amazed by this innovative player. Ocarina is sensitive to your breath, touch and movements, making it even more versatile than the original. 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. Or channel your favorite video game adventurer with Smule's Zeldarian mode.

User reviews

Average user rating from: 1 user(s)

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Overall rating:		5.0
Ease of Use:		5.0
Help/Support Material:		5.0
Graphics and Sound:		5.0
Value for Money:		5.0

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful

WANTED: Guitarist and 4 more people to help perform "Stairway to Heaven".

Oh my god...for $1.29 this app is just worth it for the novelty! Even for a non-pan-flute-loving guy that I am...this thing....umm...rocks!

According to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocarina), an Ocarina is "an ancient flute-like wind instrument. While several variations exist, an ocarina is typified by an oval-shaped enclosed space with four to twelve finger holes and a mouth tube projecting out from the body. It is often ceramic, but many other materials, such as plastic, wood, glass, and metal, may also be used." Except now...the tube is the microphone of the iPhone and the holes? Well, they're virtual on the screen. Blow into the iPhone once you've launched this app (and set the key you want to play in) and then treat the 4 circles on screen as holes in the woodwind instrument. Wait...should that be iPhone-wind instrument?

It took all of 1 minute (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfrONZjakRY) to realise this was a must have...and another 5 minutes to belt out a fairly good rendition of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. 4 years of playing the cornet at High School allowed me to expertly master air control, although I certainly shouldn't give up the day job!

But what really amazes me with this thing is how such a simply fun activity has then been extended. When you launch the app, you get to decide if the iPhone can tell people where you are.

Why an earth would you do that?

Answer - Because not only can people know where you are...you can know where they are. And you can hear them playing!!

The way this is delivered on screen is just beautiful. As the planet spins, you jump to a name on the planet and watch as the globe spins and you see the melody rise up from that location into the atmosphere. It's so simple...it's so lovely...it's so amazingly freaky and fun. This is an app I'm going to spend my days showing to people I think...so I really need to brush up on my repertoire!

For $1.29 it is sooo worth the purchase. Even to show as a gimmick it's worth that price. But give it a few days...wait til no-one else is around...and you'll be going to the online music score are of the website (http://ocarina.smule.com/#music) and giving it a go.

I'll be looking for your tunes online!