If there is anything that will make me want an iPad it is because of amazing apps like this one. More importantly, I hope to see actual magazines begin to take up an approach like this. On that note, I think that Flipboard may be onto something that magazines may want to get into through their iPad application. Why stop at Social Media?
There isn’t much that I can say here because the video makes it abundantly clear! Let me know what you think?
With the awesome reception that Smule has received for Ocarino, Zypher and Magic Piano to name a few, it’s no surprise to see more companies pop up with their own virtual instruments. Jordan Ruddess (below) launched a virtual musical instrument company called Wizdom Music (MorphWiz), that develops apps for the iPhone and iPad and has released one called MorphWiz, which has become very popular since it’s initial release.
This is a product that is packed with very diverse tone manipulation features that demonstrate it’s purpose, providing one with a modern musical instrument in a new form; the virtual instrument. For example, you can change the sound wave velocity, adjust the finger vibrato, adjust the attack, set the scale, adjust sound delay, record performances on the mobile device, just to name a few of the details within this app. Frankly, a classically trained musician or composer would have to be impressed and get a total kick out of using MorphWiz.
Here is Ruddess playing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” on an iPad:
While granted electronic instruments isn’t a new concept, the difference lies in the elimination of a kinesthetic manipulation of physical keys, strings, holes, or what have you, apart form tapping, swiping, and pinching a glass surface. More importantly, these virtual instruments are now more widely available and attractive to a diverse consumer base of mostly non-musicians. The great thing about apps like MorphWiz is that advanced music theory knowledge isn’t really required to indulge in instant music making–assuming of course one shelled out the money for any one or all of the Apple touch platforms.
MorphWiz is a both an expressive musical instrument and an exciting visual experience. Created by Jordan Rudess and Kevin Chartier, MorphWiz is enjoyable for beginners and seasoned musicians alike. It contains over 50 presets programmed by the wizard himself, Jordan Rudess, to allow for an instantly musical experience from the moment the application is first opened. For more experienced users, a wide array of synthesis, effects, and visual options allow the instrument to be precisely configured to the user’s tastes.
I counted 82 presets to be exact, among which my favorites were “Aliens R Us”, “An Asian Way” with it’s cool pentatonic (five tone) scale and fancy sounds, and lastly “Space Tilt”. There were more, but that would amount to a very long list. Here are some screen shots below of the apps user interface.
I had a chance to play around with MorphWiz prior to writing this post thanks to Jordan’s publicist, Christopher Buttner, president of PRThatRocks.com. I will likely do a video review of the app later this week along with some other apps I want to review. MorphWiz costs $9.99 in the app store and you can download it here.
Brief info about Jordan Ruddess
Jordan Rudess is the keyboardest for the successful rockband Dream Theater, who are currently touring and opening for Iron Maiden. Check them out on their site and myspace page. By the way, I like their song “Wither”. Check it below the photo.
I happened upon this very beautiful short film called “Cart” after seeing his short video featured on apple.com on the iPad page called iPad + Velcro. It’s been online approximately 11 months now, but I had to share my “find” because goodies like this are hard to find. This particular film is a diamond in the rough.
Cart was written and directed by Jesse Rosten and the music with it’s beautiful leitmotif on, I think the glockenspiel, was written by Peter Lance. It was shot on RED ONE with Canon EOS lenses on the Birger lens mount.
Here are the production notes below and be sure to check out Jesse Rosen’s website to see still photos of the film shoot.
The idea for this film was hatched a few years ago. Lyn and I were driving through town and had Radiohead’s OK Computer on the CD player. As we drove by an empty parking lot, we happened to notice a shopping cart looking rather lost and disheveled. This visual, combined with Yorke’s longing melodies, had us both feeling like we were experiencing something dramatic and cinematic. So, naturally, we started laughing. The next few minutes were spent joking about “the little cart that could.” “Wouldn’t that be funny if…” “He’s got the heart of a champion.” Fast forward a few years and we hadn’t forgotten about the cart. When I learned that my hometown was hosting a film festival to showcase local talent, the idea of the shopping cart resurfaced. Can’t get shown up on your home court, right? A few beers with friends and many script revisions later and we had a story.
The film was shot with no budget, over a few weeks. The question I get asked the most is, “how did you get the cart to move?” Simple. String. Ugly Braid 40lbs test fishing line to be exact. We went through several brands before we found one that didn’t show too much on screen. Even so, when shooting at 4k it’s hard to hide anything and I ended up having to comp the string out of a few of the shots. Big thanks to Derek and Lyn for all their hard work on the production. Also, this film wouldn’t be what it is without the beautiful music composed by Peter Lance.
From what I’ve gathered from across the web, iOS4 is rumored to be released at around 10:00am (pacific standard time); 1:00pm (eastern standard time). But you ain’t heard that from me *pointing* —-> razorianfly.com: “The Countdown to iOS4″
Perfect fit for the iPad, easy to handle, safe to carry
Protective folding case that doubles as a stand
Stretchy bands and leather base keeps your iPad secure
Stretchy bands only cover the bevel edge and not the screen
Lightweight, flexible design gives a cushioned feel when typing
Concrete grey 100% wool felt
Asphalt grey premium leather
This product was made using tanned leather, various textures and irregularities in colour and shade add value to the appearance and make every single piece of leather unique.
Check out hardgraft.com for pictures and purchasing.
Here are some screen shots below of the apps user interface.
