Music thing posts on the Chimera BC-8 which looks like a lot of fun.
miniMusic to release an app a month for the rest of 2008!
I hadn't really read this on the miniMusic site. If they can keep up that kind of momentum with the iPhone apps it would be great. Add to that the BeatMaker app announced today and I've started to think about getting a cheap iPod Touch!
Pianofly, will be released in July, and we will try to release a new app every month for the rest of 2008 (since we have 5 projects in development). All but one of these are music related, and only two of them have Palm counterparts...
BeatMaker 1.0 Released
I got the email from Intua about BeatMaker. I does look good you have to admit it. Lots of people will be posting on this soon I guess. Here's what their email says:
BeatMaker introduces a new generation of pocket-sized music creation studio.
Inspired by professional drum machines, samplers and sequencers, it combines them into an easy to use, all-in-one inspirational instrument.
Using BeatMaker creative tools, you can compose, record, arrange, and tweak live your ideas into a complete song, ready to be shared with others.
BaetMaker 1.0 features:
- 16 Sample Trigger pads with individual controls for:
- Volume, Mute and Reverse playback
- Automatic and manual sample duration settings and tonality control
- Channel routing (Main, FX channels)
- Edit samples start/end positions with the wave editor
- Individual sample loading on each pad, auto-chop samples
- Edit multiple controls at once with handful selection tool
- Instant sample muting and reversing modes
- Step sequencer with velocity and groove editors
- Live sequencing of sample trigger
- Unlimited patterns creation
- Velocity and groove editors
- Song sequencer
- Sequencing of patterns on the song timeline, live
- Time-line, loop, tempo and playback control via foldable transport bar
- Suited for live performances !
- Live pattern recording
- Tap the trigger and record to a new pattern
- Create an unlimited number of recoding patterns
- Quantization
- Two effects channels, each one containing 3 FX racks:
- Synchronized Delay
- 3-Band Equalizer
- Bit-Crusher
- Share your audio material from and to your computer with BeatPack
- Home
- Load & Save controls (Kits & Projects)
- Song export to audio file
- Inline documentation
- Intua RSS viewer
- Kit description pannel
- BeatPack servers configuration
- Shipped with an initial soundbank
- Intua soundbank containing with various styles: Hip-Hop, Electronica, Drum'n'Bass, Techno, Funk, ...
- Exclusive artists kits: JacquePolynice, Richard Devine, Man Parrish, Rafiralfiro, ...
This release of BeatMaker will be followed by BeatPack, a free MacOSX/Windows tool which enables you to create kits easily and share your audio material with BeatMaker. We will keep your updated on its upcoming release.
We wish you creative moments using BeatMaker, and most importantly, to have fun making music !
Belkin Podcast Studio to be released as GoStudio
At last the Belkin PodCast studio appears to be coming out. Apparently according to this article from MobileMag in September in the US for around $119.
MeTeoR running on my Treo 750v
Recorded on a Treo 650. Here's MeTeoR from 4Pockets on my Treo 750 under Windows Mobile 6. It works like a dream!
Mixtikl to include video / stills in a later release !
Thanks Pete for this:
Sound like Mixtikl will be an awesome all round application in time, a real multi-media powerhouse.
miniMIXA V3 featured a video mixer, enabling you to chain together pictures, videos, music and sound effects with a range of transitions. It was quite impressive. :) This won't be in the first release of Mixtikl (we have too much to do!), but it'll re-appear no doubt in subsequent releases of Mixtikl!
Sound like Mixtikl will be an awesome all round application in time, a real multi-media powerhouse.
Korg DS-10 and Tenori-on?
Something definitely going on here, but I can't make sense of it. This post on the DS-10 blog is certainly about the DS-10 and the Tenori-on, but I can't make any sense of the translation, which is so annoying as it looks really interesting too!
TUAW on iPhone 2.0 Firmware issues
According to TUAW lots of people are reporting issues / crashes with iPhone apps. Apparently these aren't necessarily the developers fault and could be down to instability of the iPhone 2.0 firmware.
App Store : 10 million apps in 1st Weekend!
A number of sites have picked this story up, but it is quite an achievement already to have that many downloads in a weekend. I am guessing it will ease off, but as the number of iPhones increases I guess it won't go down too much.
CDM on non-sound making uses for mobile devices
Another interesting post from CDM. I tend to agree. All too often I overlook the other uses of PDAs / handhelds in the search for the next musical tool
PSPSeq 3.0 Released (via CDM)
CDM reports that the latest version of PSP Seq is now available. Featuring:
- Synthesizer presets
- 7 MB sample memory
- FM feedback with configurable routing (nice)
- Shortcuts and workflow improvements
- Randomization with various controls (range, etc.)
- Looping improvements
Treo 800w released in the US
Whilst this is a rather quiet launch, I have to say that I am impressed with the Treo 800w already. Palm have finally released a device that offers wifi, GPS, and bluetooth! All with a 320 x 320 touchscreen and lots of memory too. Ok, it is a windows mobile device, but at least that means that you'll be able to run Bhajis Loops and Microbe under styletap.
The upside is that you can also run Griff, MeTeoR and TrakAx Mobile. Now it starts to sound like a real mobile multi-media tool, unlike another recent smartphone introduced to the market!
The State of Mobile Music: Part 2
HS has posted excellent thoughts on the state of mobile music.
Sorry, I didn't read the original post so I'm not directly replying to
it, more or less stating how I HOPE it goes:
At the moment, much of electronic music in handheld devices is based on the hardware+3rd party software concept. Meanwhile, so-called 'studio-worthy' devices are all standalone units with specialized hardware dedicated to destroying your speakers (as I like to say). The foray into handheld standalone devices has been quite...miss-miss. There's a battery powered QY-100 which is light years behind pretty much everything, a portable mpc that's battery powered and doesn't do a whole lot, the Kaossilator which is gimmicky at best and that's pretty much it. Meanwhile, PDA's and game systems have software written on a non-specific platform that go way beyond any of these dedicated devices, even extending into the realm of 'pro gear spec'. Now, this is all good and dandy, but wouldn't it be nice to have a piece of hardware that fits in your pocket like a pda or psp that was designed from the ground up to be a serious music workstation? I personally would pay extra for such a device so long as it had a coherent and very usable interface, decent battery life (3 hours is just fine) and generous built in effects, neglegable sample memory and at least a 2 note polyphonic synth engine (if not more). See, the ideal design, for me, would be something that works like a pda, but with extra 'quick buttons/knobs' for that 'hardware feel' and ease of use, 16 note polyphony, 2 multieffect busses (i.e. each effect can be changed to whatever and bussed to whatever track), and a global
compressor/limiter. The 16 notes would be split it (ideally) between 10 sample parts and 6 synth parts, all monophonic (trying to be realistic here!). All this with a nice touch screen editor for sequencing and editing patches and filemanaging with a couple of nice audio jacks (maybe even work that into the bus for external effects!). This could, given the advances in technology nowdays, be EASILY conceivable. However, there's a huge drawback: Handheld music creation is a tiny drop in a huge music-production bucket. It's very sad, but very true. We represent a worthless piece of the corporate dollar which would ultimately, if the 'dream unit' was produced, make no money for the people involved and it's their job to turn a profit. I mean, really, a GOOD handheld device specifically designed to pump out your music in the most flexible way possible...why is it always a software solution where certain items have to be sacrificed since the hardware wasn't geared toward that use? It's very naive to think that software on 'general hardware' is the best choice for the end user when I believe co-creation of hardware with the right software hand in hand is the ultimate holy grail in this arena. Again, given the advances in technology, a unit could happen down the line when it's little risk, but right now, I think it's just now getting to the point where a decent device could be made and thus is more of a risk to produce...assuming anyone at korg, roland, alesis, etc. is even considering such an item...
I guess I'm rambling now..haven't slept in 30 hours or so, guess I should sleep...and dream of the Korg Handy-X or whatever it would be called...
Peace
Korg DS-10 blog update
Another Korg DS-10 update. This time I can't really understand what it is all about at all!
Muvee Show now discontinued
I stumbled over the muvee site when I was browsing through Handango looking for art and video. I'd forgotten all about this app, so I've loaded it on my Treo 750 and it works fine.
It is nowhere near as good as something like TrakAx mobile, but currently I can't get that working on my Treo as the screen size is not supported. So, while I wait for the people at TrakAx to fix that, I thought I'd try out a few other apps.
Muvee is actually a very simple little app, and just makes little slide shows from still images, and adds a theme to them as well. For what it is there's nothing wrong with it, but I was expecting more to be honest.
It is nowhere near as good as something like TrakAx mobile, but currently I can't get that working on my Treo as the screen size is not supported. So, while I wait for the people at TrakAx to fix that, I thought I'd try out a few other apps.
Muvee is actually a very simple little app, and just makes little slide shows from still images, and adds a theme to them as well. For what it is there's nothing wrong with it, but I was expecting more to be honest.
Will we see 'Whistle and Hum' or 'Imp' for iPhone?
'Whistle and Hum', and 'Imp' are applications that have been in research and development with miniMusic for a long time. Largely because the Palm OS and hardware has not moved on to the extent where you could do something like this.
So, I wonder if they might make an appearance in the iPhone world at some point? That would make it worth buying.
App Store : No trials?
Just another quick thought on Apple's app store. There are no trial applications at all. Either it is free or you have to buy it. Ok the prices are low at the moment, but even so, no trial apps? Did I miss something?
Just like the early days all over again ...
I've been looking at Apple's new app store for the last few days, and yesterday it struck me how much like the early days of palm applications it was like. Ten years or so ago places like palmgear were full of applications that wern't alwas of the highest quality, and that's what I'm seeing in the early days of the app store. Lots of apps that are fairly simple and don't really leverage the full potential of the iPhone's hardware or operating system.
Peter Kirn at CDM has a similar take on the early days of app store. Let's hope it evolves rapidly.
Peter Kirn at CDM has a similar take on the early days of app store. Let's hope it evolves rapidly.
Pete Cole's blog on MixTikl
Pete Cole's blog has this update:
Mixtikl - what a huge challenge. Taking miniMIXA into the real world! What you'll see and hear will just be the tip of an iceberg of multimedia code, enabling what we think will be the first truly trans-platform multi-media creativity tool.
We've been working towards this for some time now, and it is really quite amazing to physically see/hear Mixtikl working as a native app for Windows and Mac, as an Audio Unit for Mac, and as a VSTi for Windows/Mac, and also on Windows Mobile! With interchangable files that work on all supported platforms! Oh, and an embedded Noatikl generative music engine. :)
We're currently very busy working on polishing-off the work we've done so far, and will then be looking to port to iPhone - where I hope there won't be too many issues with sand-boxing or integration with Objective C...
October 2008 release? Well, that's what we're aiming for. Wish us luck!
PSP Rhythm 8 Announced
Just got this from PSP Rhythm:
The PSP RHYTHM development team is proud to announce the release of RHYTHM version 8. RHYTHM version 8 has been in
development for over one year. We have rebuilt the audio engine from the ground up, making many improvements. The
User Interface and controls have also been completely redesigned to streamline the music making process. Virtually every feature of RHYTHM has been improved upon.
-PSP Rhythm Team
Improvements:
- New Easy to Use Interface
- 32 Step Patterns
- 6 Octave Piano Roll
- Synthesizer and Loop modes
- Waveform display with ADSR Envelope
- More Patterns
- More Song Steps
Website
http://www.psprhythm.com
Commercial Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DulYUbbTrSc&fmt=18
Screen Shot
http://www.psprhythm.com/images/screenshot.png
Windows Install
http://www.psprhythm.com/Rhythm.zip
Manual Install
http://www.psprhythm.com/Rhythm8.zip
Rhythm 8.0 Demo Songs
http://www.psprhythm.com/songs/r8e.mp3
http://www.psprhythm.com/songs/LoseHerMind.mp3
The PSP RHYTHM development team is proud to announce the release of RHYTHM version 8. RHYTHM version 8 has been in
development for over one year. We have rebuilt the audio engine from the ground up, making many improvements. The
User Interface and controls have also been completely redesigned to streamline the music making process. Virtually every feature of RHYTHM has been improved upon.
-PSP Rhythm Team
Improvements:
- New Easy to Use Interface
- 32 Step Patterns
- 6 Octave Piano Roll
- Synthesizer and Loop modes
- Waveform display with ADSR Envelope
- More Patterns
- More Song Steps
Website
http://www.psprhythm.com
Commercial Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DulYUbbTrSc&fmt=18
Screen Shot
http://www.psprhythm.com/images/screenshot.png
Windows Install
http://www.psprhythm.com/Rhythm.zip
Manual Install
http://www.psprhythm.com/Rhythm8.zip
Rhythm 8.0 Demo Songs
http://www.psprhythm.com/songs/r8e.mp3
http://www.psprhythm.com/songs/LoseHerMind.mp3
pCam and pCine
By chance I found these two apps which are meant to help you with camera and film work. I was looking on Styletap for a suitable datebook replacement when I noticed these.
They have been around for a while. I always like apps like these which help you with film making.
They have been around for a while. I always like apps like these which help you with film making.
Song Summoner: More thoughts ...
Well, day two of playing this game, and I am beginning to get the hang of it. It is quite good fun, but I'm still not entirely sure how musically relevant it is. Still, the more I get into it the more I'll understand about exactly what it is doing with the songs.
Nitrotracker 0.4 is a big update
Thanks to Erik for this. Nitrotracker, the homebrew tracker for the DS platform has had a big update, including:
- Loops
- Multisamples
- Envelopes
and more. Check the Nitrotracker site for more information.
- Loops
- Multisamples
- Envelopes
and more. Check the Nitrotracker site for more information.
miniMusic to launch Pianofly
miniMusic have announced their first iPhone / iPod Touch application called Pianofly. Here's what their site says about it:
It sounds like it will be just the start of a whole new suite of iPhone apps to come out of miniMusic. Let's hope for even more good things from them.
Available: July, 2008
Our first product for the iPhone and iPod touch will let you design sounds, play them and record them. These are essential building blocks for a number of other products we have planned. Come back next week for some screen shots and more details.
It sounds like it will be just the start of a whole new suite of iPhone apps to come out of miniMusic. Let's hope for even more good things from them.
And so it begins ...
Well, it is no secret at all that the app store has opened, and with 500 apps or thereabouts, but what is in it for mobile musicians wanting to use the iPhone or iPod Touch? Well, here's what I can find so far:
Band: By Moo Cow Music, which has already had lots of posts from all over.
Drummer: A fun looking drum application.
GuitarToolKit: Featuring metronome, tuner, chords etc...
iMetronome: Does what you'd expect.
MixMeister Scratch: scratching tool (covered here before) and free.
Pianist: Again from Moo Cow Music.
There are other tuning apps etc, but nothing approaching a Bhajis Loops or MeTeoR so far. So, unless things change soon, I can't see myself going down this route as yet.
I was surprised not to see anything from miniMusic or Intua as yet, but perhaps they'll turn up tomorrow?
Band: By Moo Cow Music, which has already had lots of posts from all over.
Drummer: A fun looking drum application.
GuitarToolKit: Featuring metronome, tuner, chords etc...
iMetronome: Does what you'd expect.
MixMeister Scratch: scratching tool (covered here before) and free.
Pianist: Again from Moo Cow Music.
There are other tuning apps etc, but nothing approaching a Bhajis Loops or MeTeoR so far. So, unless things change soon, I can't see myself going down this route as yet.
I was surprised not to see anything from miniMusic or Intua as yet, but perhaps they'll turn up tomorrow?
Meet the Tenorions
I guess that this had to happen sooner or later right? Well, here it is. According to the musicians tools blog here are the band currently known as the Tenorions (which makes me think of Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons, or am I just showing my age?).
Song Summoner first look
I need to start this by saying that I am no real game player, so my views may not tell you what you need to know. I've only had a short while to play this game. In fact, it was my diverting activity on the train to work this morning, and my train journey is very short.
However, so far, the graphics for the game are very good if a bit busy at times. I've only just got into the part where the game asks you to select a song from which it makes a 'warrior'. I can't tell as yet how the song defines the new game character, so I shall give that some more thought tomorrow!
TUAW iPhone app round up
Following on from my post yesterday about other apps for the iphone I thought I'd post a link to this from TUAW, which gives some details of a few more apps that are expected.
What other stuff will app store deliver?
Ok. This is a sort of off topic kind of post, but it has been on my mind for a day or two. With Windows Mobile and Palm OS there are lots of applications covering almost everything you could possible want to do, from business and productivity applications, to music multimedia applications.
So, when the Apple app store opens up, just how many applications will there be available for the iPhone, and what kinds of thing will they do? Obviously, the kinds of things I'd like to see would be music related applications, but also, media related stuff like an iMovie type app, or something like TrakAx Mobile for the iPhone.
Aside from audio and visual applications I'd like to see the regular stuff too, like a decent blogging app, and something I can use to make lists and handle documents etc.
What it comes down to in the end thought is getting to that ideal one device that really does do everything. Will it be the iPhone? I don't know, I wish it could be, but intuitively I can't see it.
TUAW has a very interesting post on why you shouldn't buy the iPhone on Friday, and whilst I don't think that those will be my reasons, it does make me wonder what else I'd do with the iPhone.
I think I will be waiting to see what they come up with before I jump in.
So, when the Apple app store opens up, just how many applications will there be available for the iPhone, and what kinds of thing will they do? Obviously, the kinds of things I'd like to see would be music related applications, but also, media related stuff like an iMovie type app, or something like TrakAx Mobile for the iPhone.
Aside from audio and visual applications I'd like to see the regular stuff too, like a decent blogging app, and something I can use to make lists and handle documents etc.
What it comes down to in the end thought is getting to that ideal one device that really does do everything. Will it be the iPhone? I don't know, I wish it could be, but intuitively I can't see it.
TUAW has a very interesting post on why you shouldn't buy the iPhone on Friday, and whilst I don't think that those will be my reasons, it does make me wonder what else I'd do with the iPhone.
I think I will be waiting to see what they come up with before I jump in.
New iPod Classic Game ?
TUAW has a post on a new iPod classic game released today called 'Song Summoner'. Apparently it turns your songs into warriors! I can't really get my head around that so I decided to buy it to see what it is like.
More later.
PSPseq 3.0 is coming
A new thread, on the group about the next version of PSP Seq, moving up to v3 soon.
I think I'll need to keep a bit more of an eye on the PSP stuff.
I think I'll need to keep a bit more of an eye on the PSP stuff.
Mixtikl Performer: Early Screen Shots
Intermorphic have release screen shots of their forthcoming Mixtikl trans-platform application which is due out in October this year. It does look cool!
App Store entries to be in by the 7th if July
Macrumors has this post about Apple setting a deadline for developers to get their applications into the iPhone app store. The 7th isn't bad if you ask me.
Another Launch event for DS-10
According to my rough translation from the DS-10 blog. This time in Waseda.
Models, distribution, and a 'trans-platform' approach
A post on CDM a while back has been in my mind now for quite a while. It made me think about the different models adopted by handheld device makes for some time.
If we go back to the early days of the palm platform the model was all about synchronisation with the desktop. Now lots of people use a mobile device with no sync at all, or perhaps for back up. But the Tonium model is interesting.
It has three distinct elements:
DEVICE - DESKTOP APPLICATION - WEB BASED COMMUNITY
Combining these elements together makes for a very different and interesting mix of technologies, and that's half the picture that's been rattling around in my head.
The second part is all tied up with Mixtikl from intermorphic. Mixtikl will be a 'trans-platform' tool. This is not my term, it is from Pete at intermorphic. He describes the term as follows:
Now, this is where it gets really interesting. If you can have an 'trans-platform' application that allows you to do more than the traditional sync function, but lets you move a file or idea from device to desktop or vice-versa and back again that's a real step forward.
Do we need to add a portal too? Maybe, let's see how Mixtikl works as 'trans-platform' application first. My guess is that it is going to be a sea change in mobile music making, and a welcome one at that.
If we go back to the early days of the palm platform the model was all about synchronisation with the desktop. Now lots of people use a mobile device with no sync at all, or perhaps for back up. But the Tonium model is interesting.
It has three distinct elements:
DEVICE - DESKTOP APPLICATION - WEB BASED COMMUNITY
Combining these elements together makes for a very different and interesting mix of technologies, and that's half the picture that's been rattling around in my head.
The second part is all tied up with Mixtikl from intermorphic. Mixtikl will be a 'trans-platform' tool. This is not my term, it is from Pete at intermorphic. He describes the term as follows:
These are tools that are not just cross-platform (within a category of device), but cross-platform and cross-category! They allow creatives largely to be device or platform agnostic, and productive either on the move or back in the studio/office (subject of course to the capabilities of the software...!).
Mixtikl is I think is the first announced trans-platform audio creativity tool. We already have it working in the labs on:
- Windows desktop (standalone, VSTi)
- Mac desktop (standalone, VSTi, AU)
- Windows mobile (PPC)
Now, this is where it gets really interesting. If you can have an 'trans-platform' application that allows you to do more than the traditional sync function, but lets you move a file or idea from device to desktop or vice-versa and back again that's a real step forward.
Do we need to add a portal too? Maybe, let's see how Mixtikl works as 'trans-platform' application first. My guess is that it is going to be a sea change in mobile music making, and a welcome one at that.
4Pockets win award for Pocket RTA Pro
Check it out at their site. They won the award for best use of mobile technology for the Pocket RTA Pro application.
iPhone, no intel inside
The Appleblog has a post about the fact that Apple haven't used intel chips in the iPhone 3G. What's interesting is at the end of the post the Appleblog comments that they were hoping to see Boot Camp (Apple's software that allows you to boot to Windows XP or Mac OSX) on the iPhone to boot to Windows Mobile Smartphone.
That got me thinking. StyleTap are planning a version a version of their Palm OS emulator for iPhone, but why not a WM6 emulator for iPhone too? Wouldn't that give you the best of all worlds?
That got me thinking. StyleTap are planning a version a version of their Palm OS emulator for iPhone, but why not a WM6 emulator for iPhone too? Wouldn't that give you the best of all worlds?
Amazon Japan claims exclusivity for Korg DS-10
According to dsfanboy Amazon Japan is claiming exclusivity for the DS-10. Of course those of use who are not in Japan can still import, but as dsfanboy points out, the prices are not cheap!
Make a difference in the mobile music world
Well, why not make more people aware of how many excellent music making products there are out there? Here's a simple way of doing just that. Simply head over to the Pocket PC Mag awards site, and vote away!
The State of Mobile Music
Well, here we are half way through 2008 and it has been a very interesting year already. There's been a real expansion in terms of the number of platforms for mobile music making, and some very interesting new applications as well. So it I thought it might be worth stopping for a moment to think about where we are.
DS Platform
This year we've seen the Korg DS-10 announcement and Groovestep too, although the later have been very quiet for some time now, so I hope they're still going ahead with their app. Of course, both of these were in addition to the wide variety of homebrew apps already available, such as Protein, GlitchDS, and DS Synth, to name a few. What else will come up for the DS platform, and when the DS-10 does arrive how will it be received?
Palm and Windows Mobile
There's not been a huge number of new applications for either platform. However, we have seen SunVox, an amazing cross platform modular application that runs on Palm OS and Windows Mobile. Also, TrakAx, the multimedia tool for Windows Mobile has done great things this year, and of course Intermorphic have announced their new Mixtikl app for windows mobile coming later this year.
iPod Touch and iPhone
Of course the next big thing is the coming of the iPhone and iPod app store and real third party apps on this platform. Already we've seen miniMusic amongst a number of developers aiming at this platform. Will it be a real next step for mobile music?I hope so, but time will tell.
And also ...
Of course, there's more to mobile music than the platforms above. There's been a good deal of new hardware news too, like the release of the Pacemaker DJ device and the announcement of the Korg nano series. Also, there are more platforms on the way, like Google's Android platform, and ALP, and Palm's new Linux based OS too. Who knows what these will bring?
So far?
So good. If you'd asked me in 2006 or early 2007 what the future was for mobile music making I'd probably have said that it was grim at best. Now, I've changed my mind in a big way. I think that for the first time in a number of years mobile music has a real chance to take off, especially with mainstream (and cool) manufacturers like Apple getting in on the act.
So let's hope that the second half of 2008 is even more packed with applications, developments and mobile music making.
Discuss at the Palm Sounds Group ...
DS Platform
This year we've seen the Korg DS-10 announcement and Groovestep too, although the later have been very quiet for some time now, so I hope they're still going ahead with their app. Of course, both of these were in addition to the wide variety of homebrew apps already available, such as Protein, GlitchDS, and DS Synth, to name a few. What else will come up for the DS platform, and when the DS-10 does arrive how will it be received?
Palm and Windows Mobile
There's not been a huge number of new applications for either platform. However, we have seen SunVox, an amazing cross platform modular application that runs on Palm OS and Windows Mobile. Also, TrakAx, the multimedia tool for Windows Mobile has done great things this year, and of course Intermorphic have announced their new Mixtikl app for windows mobile coming later this year.
iPod Touch and iPhone
Of course the next big thing is the coming of the iPhone and iPod app store and real third party apps on this platform. Already we've seen miniMusic amongst a number of developers aiming at this platform. Will it be a real next step for mobile music?I hope so, but time will tell.
And also ...
Of course, there's more to mobile music than the platforms above. There's been a good deal of new hardware news too, like the release of the Pacemaker DJ device and the announcement of the Korg nano series. Also, there are more platforms on the way, like Google's Android platform, and ALP, and Palm's new Linux based OS too. Who knows what these will bring?
So far?
So good. If you'd asked me in 2006 or early 2007 what the future was for mobile music making I'd probably have said that it was grim at best. Now, I've changed my mind in a big way. I think that for the first time in a number of years mobile music has a real chance to take off, especially with mainstream (and cool) manufacturers like Apple getting in on the act.
So let's hope that the second half of 2008 is even more packed with applications, developments and mobile music making.
Discuss at the Palm Sounds Group ...
TrakAx Mobile on the verge of a major upgrade
TrakAx Mobile is expecting a huge upgrade very soon. There are some amazing new features in this release, including:
trakAxMobile - Sneak Peak! from Catriona Barry on Vimeo.
This is what the new mix screen will look like:
Here is the expanded transitions and new effects:
The pan and zoom features for still images will make using them mixed in with video far more straightforward.
Searching for media looks like it will be easier using a date driven search.
All in all this will be a really significant upgrade to TrakAx Mobile. It is excellent to see it being developed and going from strength to strength.
- Pan and zoom effects for still images
- Expanded transition choices
- Photo and video effects and borders
- Improved text rendering and colour choice
- Improved media search
- Themes for credits
trakAxMobile - Sneak Peak! from Catriona Barry on Vimeo.
This is what the new mix screen will look like:
Here is the expanded transitions and new effects:
The pan and zoom features for still images will make using them mixed in with video far more straightforward.
Searching for media looks like it will be easier using a date driven search.
All in all this will be a really significant upgrade to TrakAx Mobile. It is excellent to see it being developed and going from strength to strength.
Apple's own iPhone applications ...
There's been lots of news today about the possibility of Apple offering a free iPhone app to control iTunes 7.7 over wifi. That set me thinking.
Since Apple announced that they were going to make third party applications available on their iPhone platform lots of bloggers have been talking about which developers would enter into the iPhone app market and what would they bring. I've been talking about it too. But, what will Apple themselves bring to the platform?
Let's face it, they are very good at creative applications at all levels, from entry / home user to pro. So, why wouldn't they use their expertise to offer up some really interesting applications of their own?
Since Apple announced that they were going to make third party applications available on their iPhone platform lots of bloggers have been talking about which developers would enter into the iPhone app market and what would they bring. I've been talking about it too. But, what will Apple themselves bring to the platform?
Let's face it, they are very good at creative applications at all levels, from entry / home user to pro. So, why wouldn't they use their expertise to offer up some really interesting applications of their own?
Mixtikl on the way
There's a new post on the intermorphic blog giving a little bit more news about Mixtikl.
Can't wait to see it in action.
Can't wait to see it in action.
CDM on MIDIFY for Nintendo handhelds
CDM has a post on MIDIFY which lets you add a MIDI port to you Nintendo handheld.
CDM also has an interesting post on a load of new and updated DS homebrew. Well worth taking a look.
Things are really getting interesting for the DS platform...
Mobile Music Workshop 2008 Creative Interactions
The Mobile music workshop have published a catalogue of the last 5 years contributions to the workshop, which is a good way to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the workshop. I hope they run many more, especially if they can be in the UK next year.
You may have noticed ...
That the posting has been somewhat erratic, or in fact none existent lately. Well, things have been a little unsettle over the last week or so, hence the disruption to Palm Sounds. However, hopefully things are returning to normal, and so the posts should flow again soon.
If you've emailed me at Palm Sounds in the last week or so and I haven't replied, please email again as I may not have received it.
If you've emailed me at Palm Sounds in the last week or so and I haven't replied, please email again as I may not have received it.
Gearwire on Korg Nano Series
Gearwire have got their hands on the new nano series of controllers from Korg.
There's also some early indication on price here, which isn't bad really.
What I'd love to see though is someone making these compatible with the Korg DS-10!
There's also some early indication on price here, which isn't bad really.
What I'd love to see though is someone making these compatible with the Korg DS-10!
LDB: Java Drum Midlet for mobiles!
I should check the Palm Sounds mailbox more regularly. Thanks to Johan for this. He's built this excellent looking java midlet drum machine.
You can find out all about it and a link to download it here.
Alesis ProTrack
The FutureMusic blog has this from Alesis. They seem to have made a real commitment to iPod related products.
The FutureMusic blog has all the details. Whilst I think it looks like a good addition to an iPod, I am struggling to see just how this product goes further than what is already available.
Flash Player for iPhone (via iLounge)
Ilounge has a story on Adobe getting flash player running in the iPhone emulator.
Whilst in many ways flash is not something that is great for stand alone music applications it could open up possibilities for using online music services via an iPhone.
Whilst in many ways flash is not something that is great for stand alone music applications it could open up possibilities for using online music services via an iPhone.
Did anyone go to the DS-10 event?
Did anyone manage to get to the DS-10 launch event on Saturday? Any news or pictures would be great.
iPhone apps limited to 2gb?
TUAW has an interesting post covering both the size and cost limits being imposed by Apple on iPhone apps. Whilst the cost will be of interest, I think it is interesting that they are limiting app size to 2gb.
For most users this won't be a big problem or issue in any way. However, for mobile musicians it may be. Music apps and suites in particular can be very large indeed and I wouldn't want to think that apps have to limit their technical ability in order to comply with a preset size barrier.
I'd be interested in any developers who have views on this.
What annoys me about Palm Sounds is ...
Following a comment post anonymously by a reader about the way items are posted I thought it might be a good idea to find out if anyone else finds anything irritating or annoying about the blog or posts etc, or indeed if anyone had any good suggestions on how to improve it.
If any of the above applies then feel free to give your opinion here.
If any of the above applies then feel free to give your opinion here.
What are Korg up to?
A number of sites and blogs have picked up the new Korg nanoSeries now. I wonder what Korg's strategy is on new product development? They appear to be miniaturizing lots of products (KP mini, Kaosillator, DS-10 etc), so where will it go? Where will it end up, and will anyone else get going on the band wagon?
Korg nano series (via CDM)
CDM has a post on these new tiny controllers from Korg. They look aweseome. Of course I'd like to see these in use with mobile devices too, that would make loads of sense, and if Korg wanted to be really joined up then you should be able to use their 'nanoKey' to control the DS-10 over wifi. Why not?
Sims DJ for iPod
I've read some of the reviews of this on iTunes and it doesn't sound great so far. I can't believe that the developer missed the trick of allowing you to use your own music in the game in the same way as Phase. It seems like such a wasted opportunity.
DS-10 Launch party in London (via CDM)
I can't believe that the DS-10 launch is in London and I can't make it!!!
miniMusic developing for the iPhone !
The big news for today is that minMusic have announced that they are working on a number of different iPhone music applications covering notation, performance, education and audio editing.
This is excellent news and starts to make the iPhone even more appealing.
CDM on Mixtikl and generative music
Good to see CDM picking up the news of intermorphic's Mixtilk app coming later this year, and interesting thoughts about generative music in general. Really worth a read.
WWDC and mobile music
Well, I think that whilst Apple haven't brought anything that wasn't expected at least they've actually showcased the kind of apps we can expect later this month, and that has to be a good thing.
Of course, the much rumoured Mac Nano still hasn't surfaced, but maybe it will someday.
Even so, I think that the iPod Touch is looking like a really good platform for mobile music applications, and I'm seriously thinking of buying one now.
Of course, the much rumoured Mac Nano still hasn't surfaced, but maybe it will someday.
Even so, I think that the iPod Touch is looking like a really good platform for mobile music applications, and I'm seriously thinking of buying one now.
'Band' App gets a demo at WWDC!
I got this from the live feed from Macrumurs.com. This was one of the applications that has been shown today. I think it is really significant that a mobile music application is shown alongside blogging apps and games, I think it says a lot about Apple and how they see the OSX mobile platform developing.
Intua Beatmaker Suite (via CDM)
Now this is the kind of thing I'm hoping we'll see lots more of after today on the app store. If developers can come up with this kind of application / suite then the iPod Touch / iPhone starts to look like a really viable platform for mobile music. I guess we'll be finding out very soon indeed.
SunVox news
The SunVox forum has a great to do list on it:
* new module: delay
* new module: reverb
* FM
* LFO
* stylophone
* zoom in pattern editor
* parallel synth playing
* OSX port
* switch instruments / sampler etc by using the hardware buttons
* live mode (DJ mode)
All of which I'm really looking forward to, but even more so now as Alex is going to provide more documentation which will make this app even easier to use.
* new module: delay
* new module: reverb
* FM
* LFO
* stylophone
* zoom in pattern editor
* parallel synth playing
* OSX port
* switch instruments / sampler etc by using the hardware buttons
* live mode (DJ mode)
All of which I'm really looking forward to, but even more so now as Alex is going to provide more documentation which will make this app even easier to use.
How long should you wait?
I've posted another application into the palm sounds group. This time it is a little metronome application that came from a developer called Clever Parrot. They've disappeared sadly, but when they were around I downloaded all their free applications just in case. So I can't see any problem with this being available now.
However, I did set me wondering. If a developer has vanished is it ok to make their commercial or shareware applications available? If it is ok, how long should you wait?
I only have one app that falls into this category, and I think I will make it available at some point, but I'd be interested in other people's views on the subject, and if you have any apps that might be useful to others then why not post them at the group.
However, I did set me wondering. If a developer has vanished is it ok to make their commercial or shareware applications available? If it is ok, how long should you wait?
I only have one app that falls into this category, and I think I will make it available at some point, but I'd be interested in other people's views on the subject, and if you have any apps that might be useful to others then why not post them at the group.
Update on Treo 650 replacement
Well, I've bought a Treo 750 on eBay. One that has been upgraded to WM6 already. It should be an interesting experience moving to WM for all my day to day stuff as well as music related applications.
I'll keep posting on how things go.
I'll keep posting on how things go.
Comment from Korg DS-10 Producer!
There was a comment on the DS-10 videos I posted yesterday that they sounded a bit rough. Following that, this comment arrived this morning from the Korg DS-10 producer/director:
Nice to know that Korg are reading!
Thank you for watching videos!!
This bit-rough sound does not comes from DS-10 but compressions by video camera and YouTube.
sanodg
KORG DS-10 producer/director
Nice to know that Korg are reading!
Protein DS
More good use of the the DS Protein (previously DScratch) app. According to YouTube:
I have used the homebrew program protein ds to replicate muses kaoss jam using a sample of the kp2 patch. Sorry for the bad camera work, it's hard to hold a camera still and operate a ds at the same time ;)
Files on the Palm Sounds Group
I thought it would be useful to put stuff on the Palm Sounds Group that had been on either the old Palmgear or is still on the old Palm Sounds site. I hope you find the stuff useful. If you have any suggestions for other files I should put up then let me know.
Mobile Music Workshop 2008 proceedings now online
The proceedings from this year's mobile music workshop are now available online.
Blog roll
Palm Sounds now has a blog roll. You can find it a little way down the page. If you have any suggestions for other blogs I should put on it please let me know.
OT: Big savings at Intermorphic
Off topic I know, but also in a way topical as Intermorphic have announced their new Mixtikl application suite for later this year. Anyway, if you wanted to get aquainted with their applications in advance they've announced some summer specials over at their store.
Brighthand's predictions for WWDC on Monday
There's lots of people making predictions for Apple's WWDC on Monday. This set from Brighthand are quite interesting. I think I agree that this year is likely to be all about the iPhone and maybe a new version of OSX, but I'm not sure about a tablet or 'Mac Nano', whilst I'd love to see a device like that I just don't think it is going to come around this time.
Apple MID device?
AppleInsider has a post on rumours of a new Apple MID (mobile internet device) in 4" and 7" sizes. Now, there have been lots of this kind of rumour before, so who knows it it will come about, but if they did make something that was like a cross between the iPod Touch and a Mac that would be really interesting.
Korg DS-10 blog: Interview on Amazon.co.jp
The Korg DS-10 blog has been updated and shows some news of an interview (I think) on Amazon.co.jp. Interestingly the Amazon site has the DS-10 for NDS listed.
Little GP Tracker minor update
LittleGPTracker has a few minor updates today, and raises the question on whether anyone is going to develop for the openPandora.
I posted about this device a while ago and it looks really amazing.
I posted about this device a while ago and it looks really amazing.
My Treo 650 replacement
Thanks for all the suggestions following my post on what I should do to replace my Treo 650. I'm now looking at the Treo 750 (WM) and also the HTC Mogul although this model doesn't seem to be available in the UK as yet. I'll keep you posted on how I get on with my research!
I need some help
For a long time I've used a Treo 650 as my main PDA. I use it for everything really, phone, email, diary, Bhajis loops and many other music apps, short video clips etc etc.
However, it is 4 years old now and whilst it is still going strong some of the keys are showing signs of wear, and I know it won't last forever. There have been a few unexplained resets (very annoying when you're in the middle of working on a new track and haven't saved as yet), and it doesn't have a huge amount of memory on board.
So, I've been thinking about what sort of thing I'd want as a replacement for it. I started thinking about my requirements. Here's what I've got so far:
However, it is 4 years old now and whilst it is still going strong some of the keys are showing signs of wear, and I know it won't last forever. There have been a few unexplained resets (very annoying when you're in the middle of working on a new track and haven't saved as yet), and it doesn't have a huge amount of memory on board.
So, I've been thinking about what sort of thing I'd want as a replacement for it. I started thinking about my requirements. Here's what I've got so far:
- Must be able to run StyleTap and therefore Bhajis / Microbe
- Must have a decent camera for video capture and stills
- Able to use TrakAx mobile to create and mix content on device
- MUST be able to use Mixtikl whenever it becomes available
- Ideally should have a keyboard
- Bluetooth
- WiFi
Anyway, any suggestions, advice, and especially devices to avoid would be really useful.
PocketTunes on WM
There's been a bit of Pocket Tunes news over the last couple of days. It made me think about applications like Pocket Tunes, and devices like the Pacemaker. What I don't really understand is why someone hasn't come up with an application that gives you functionality like the Pacemaker device but on an existing handheld?
Surely something like that for an iPod would be a massive seller, so why hasn't anyone done it? I would have thought that even devices like the current iPod Classic would have enough power to be able to handle an application like that, and the likes of the iPod Touch should be able to do even more.
So why hasn't anyone gone down that route as yet?
Surely something like that for an iPod would be a massive seller, so why hasn't anyone done it? I would have thought that even devices like the current iPod Classic would have enough power to be able to handle an application like that, and the likes of the iPod Touch should be able to do even more.
So why hasn't anyone gone down that route as yet?
Cybersonica monome: open practice project:
Sadly it seems that Cybersonica's monome project is being postponed due to a lack of funding:
UPDATE: We found out recently that our monome: open practice project Arts Council England (ACE) Grants For The Arts application was unsuccessful. There's a full post at the project website explaining the situation.
There's more information on their project site, so let's hope they can get funding and get the project off the ground.
OT: Playing with a theremin
Whilst I was away for a few days I had a chance to play a real theremin, it was brilliant. It made me realise that whilst something like an X-Y pad or similar is fun to use and can give some excellent results, they don’t really give you the theremin experience.
One thing that occurred to me was that perhaps someone could make an app using the sensors on a device like the iPod Touch. I think that would be an excellent use for an iPod Touch.
One thing that occurred to me was that perhaps someone could make an app using the sensors on a device like the iPod Touch. I think that would be an excellent use for an iPod Touch.
Palm Sounds is 2 years old !!!
Palm Sounds is two years old. Sadly not today, I actually missed it by a few days. It was on the 25th of May. I had no idea that it would last this long.
Happy Birthday Palm Sounds!
Happy Birthday Palm Sounds!
WWDC in a week
Apple's WWDC (World Wide Developers Conference) starts in a week. So what are the best rumours around for what they're going to release? Here's my personal pick:
1. New iPhone. I know lots of people have been talking about it, but I reckon they'll at least announce it.
2. iPhone 2.0 firmware.
3. iPhone SDK version 1.0
4. App store: With this I am hoping for some real applications not just games or web apps, but something that will really show what the platform can do. What I'd love to see is some kind of 'iLife suite' for iPhone / iPod Touch from Apple, that would show their committment to the platform.
What I don't think you'll see:
1. A new Apple Newton
2. A tablet device
1. New iPhone. I know lots of people have been talking about it, but I reckon they'll at least announce it.
2. iPhone 2.0 firmware.
3. iPhone SDK version 1.0
4. App store: With this I am hoping for some real applications not just games or web apps, but something that will really show what the platform can do. What I'd love to see is some kind of 'iLife suite' for iPhone / iPod Touch from Apple, that would show their committment to the platform.
What I don't think you'll see:
1. A new Apple Newton
2. A tablet device
Pixilang Competition results
Now available on the Warmplace site. If you follow the link from there you'll see the results which are all in Russian.
iPod DJ blog
I found this blog by accident. It has some nice ideas about iPod DJ'ing, especially the Nano MPC which would be a great idea.
Mixtikl from Intermorphic
Well, after talking about it for a few weeks here's some more detail on the new mobile application from Intermorphic. Most of this is taken from the Mixtikl page on the Intermorphic site. Here's what we can expect from Mixtikl:
For Windows and Mac OS X, there will plugin versions for e.g. Logic (Audio Unit [AU]), Sonar (VSTi), Cubase (VSTi), Ableton Live (VSTi), Reaper (VSTi) etc. as well as a standalone version, very useful in its own right, for where there is no suitable plugin variant, e.g. Pro Tools.
For mobile, there will be versions at launch for Windows Mobile 5/6, followed by by versions for iPhone and iTouch, Series 60 V2/3, and Antix Game Player.
the applications themselves:
I think it is fantastic that Intermorphic are not only getting back into the mobile space, but also extending and building on the work they did with miniMIXA and taking it to the next natural step.
- Capture/Mix/Work on content on the move on your mobile; finesse on desktop using plug-in later; move back to mobile whenever you want.
- Use loops, midi, generative music and modular synthesis for your sound palette.
- Perform music on your mobile with the powerful 'Perform' application.
- Play generative music on your mobile, using the integrated Noatikl engine.
- Create quick mixes, and mix and match sounds (yours, or in add-on Tiklpaks) with the 'Remix' application.
- Pitch shift your loops and apply realtime FX.
- Act as VST or AU plugin in your VST/AU enabled sequencer.
- Have fun making/mixing hi-quality music on your mobile!
For Windows and Mac OS X, there will plugin versions for e.g. Logic (Audio Unit [AU]), Sonar (VSTi), Cubase (VSTi), Ableton Live (VSTi), Reaper (VSTi) etc. as well as a standalone version, very useful in its own right, for where there is no suitable plugin variant, e.g. Pro Tools.
For mobile, there will be versions at launch for Windows Mobile 5/6, followed by by versions for iPhone and iTouch, Series 60 V2/3, and Antix Game Player.
the applications themselves:
- Mixtikl features a number of applications for making and mixing music on the go. Further details will be provided later, but at launch these will include (subject to change):
- Mixtikl Remixer - create, EQ and save a quick mix from up to 12 user selectable sound sources/loops, and apply FX
- Mixtikl Performer - create a more complex cell based mix with up to 12 tracks and four sections, and easily apply per track FX, pan and volume
- Mixtikl Player - Create and play a track list of mixes, pieces and recordings you have or have made
- Mixtikl Partikl-Synth - Edit Partikl synth sounds and patches directly, and create presets
- Mixtikl Partikl-FX - Edit Partikl FX and networks directly, and create presets
- Mixtikl Packager - Create custom DLS wavetables; bundle Ogg/Wav files, MIDI files, Noatikl files and other content together into a self contained "SKM" file.
I think it is fantastic that Intermorphic are not only getting back into the mobile space, but also extending and building on the work they did with miniMIXA and taking it to the next natural step.
I think it is interesting to see that they are also going for the iPod Touch / iPhone market, which is very sensible, and I think they'll find a very captive audience for their product. I also think it is a very smart move to go for the Antix Labs platform too which will give the application suite real reach into markets that haven't been used to this kind of application before.
All I can say is that I just can't wait to see it in action.
SunVox and TX / T5 problems
Alex confirms he will be fixing these issues in version 1.1:
I'm hoping that the next version will have some of the stuff he's been talking about on his forum.
SunVox 1.0b may work incorrectly on some PalmOS devices with non-square screen. For example - Tungsten TX, Zodiac. In this case just mail me (nightradio@gmail.com), and i'll help you to solve this problem. Of course, this will be fixed in the next release 1.1.
I'm hoping that the next version will have some of the stuff he's been talking about on his forum.
Garnet VM updated (via Palm Infocenter)
Access have released an updated version of their Garnet VM allowing Nokia Internet Tablet users to run Palm OS apps. It seems from this post from PalmInfocenter that there are some good enhancements and some more work on the audio side too.
If anyone is using this and can let me know if Bhajis runs on it I'd appreciate it.
If anyone is using this and can let me know if Bhajis runs on it I'd appreciate it.
Styletap on the iPhone / iPod Touch
Lots of sites have picked up this story, I got it from a variety of places. The news release gives the clearest story.
I think it is a great thing for Palm users who want to move away from palm hardware. If StyleTap can use the same version as the one that runs for WM5 and runs Bhajis Loops quite nicely it could start to be a really viable platform.
I think it is a great thing for Palm users who want to move away from palm hardware. If StyleTap can use the same version as the one that runs for WM5 and runs Bhajis Loops quite nicely it could start to be a really viable platform.
Korg DS-10 set for launch
Well, it looks like they're going ahead. My google translation of this post suggests they have a green light on their development. Excellent news. Here's looking forward to July. I'm definitely going to buy one (if not two) of these.
PhaseArray site back
Was it me? I'm sure that when I posted a few days ago the site was gone. It seems to be back now which is good. I've noticed some forum posts on Bhajis Garden asking about windows DLLs for PhaseArray. I hope that having to add those elements to the development won't put off the developer because at the end of the day you can still render on the device if you want to so in many ways there is no real need for the windows DLLs.
I've had a chance to play with the plug-in just recently. It is interesting, but I'm not sure that I really get how it works or how to get the best out of it. Probably need to find a track that suits it better.
I'd be interested in anyone else's experience with PhaseArray. Post it into the Palm Sounds group if you can.
I've had a chance to play with the plug-in just recently. It is interesting, but I'm not sure that I really get how it works or how to get the best out of it. Probably need to find a track that suits it better.
I'd be interested in anyone else's experience with PhaseArray. Post it into the Palm Sounds group if you can.
Little GP Tracker turns 1.0 (via CDM)
LGPt turns 1.0 according to CDM. It is worth taking a look at if you haven't done so before. Here's some of what it can do:
- Sample library & import support
- Groove support for odd time signature
- Debian build & JACK support
- Allows creation of project from the program itself
- new Feedback parameters at the instrument level
- new Looper Sync looping mode for automatic looping on the current tempo
- Engine optimization
- New rendering system allowing to render directly from the application
- either the mixdown or the 8 separated tracks.
- External joystick control on all platform
On holiday ...
I've been away for a few days hence the lack of posting over this week. I'm just back and catching up on emails and news etc, so everything will be back to normal very soon, and I think there's just loads of news to catch up on from the last week.
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