What will they think of next? You gotta watch this short video and this of an iPhone being played like a flute, or rather a recorder. Apparently Ocarina creates sound by letting you blow across the iPhone. Pitch and other parameters are altered by pressing buttons on the iPhone screen and using the accelerometer.
Here's some info sent to me by Smule, the company that developed this and several other music-generating applications:
The Ocarina synthesizes sound in real-time, just like a regular instrument, based on actual gestures including wind input, tilt, and finger placement over the four holes overlaid on the multi-touch pad. Unlike other iPhone audio apps, the sound is not pre-compiled but is generated by the notes, gestures and nuance of the individual performer. As a result, it allows an iPhone user to explore and master the musical sounds of an entirely iPhone-native version of an ancient flute-like instrument.
Smule’s audio engine (CHiP) and the Smule Sonic Network make it possible to hear live performances around the world. With the globe view, you can hear performances, and see the origin of that performance.
This is the fourth in a series of innovative applications from Smule, based on the developer’s innovative mobile audio platform.