When you hear the word “ocarina”, what do you think of? Well, for me, the first thing that came to mind is The Legend of Zelda. Though I haven’t played the 1999 Game of the Year, I still hear that memorable tune/soundtrack playing in my head when I think of Zelda.
Upon hearing that someone made an application for it on the iPhone, I just had to go see it. The application is called Ocarina.
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. Unlike other musical applications, there are no pre-compiled riffs so musicians will find unlimited opportunities for self-expression. But you don’t have to be formally trained to appreciate this enchanting instrument. For beginners, Smule provides an interactive tutorial on its website. It is so easy, anyone can play, even if you don’t read sheet music.
What an awesome use of technology, right? It is now available at the App Store for only $0.99. At the time of this post, it seems that its been getting great reviews (i.e. average of 4.5 stars). If you want to check it out before you buy it, SMule produced some awesome demos for the public. Check them out below.
PS. SMule also has another cool iPhone app that I think is far better than current “lighter” applications. It’s the Sonic Lighter. Check out the demo here if you are interested. It’s $0.99 though but very feature-rich and getting an average of 4-stars per review. It’s available at the App Storehere.
Brightkite recently announced it’s iPhone App coming to the iTunes App Store soon. Here’s the video demo of the application:
I have been using Brightkite along with Twitter for couple of months now since James has invited me to the service. It’s a darn impressive social networking application that uses Yahoo’s Fire Eagle which allows users to manage their location.
The features that are planned for the Brightkite iPhone app are:
Auto geo-location including Place Snapping and Pick a Place
The only drawbacks that I currently forsee are the following (at least w/ Brightkite.com web app):
You must have the discipline to “check in” to your current location. I’m hoping the “auto geo-location” can address this with no sweat.
Sometimes, the syncing between Brightkite and Twitter does not work. I think this is more on Twitter’s end (from what I heard following @brightkite).
There were a couple of times an emailed photo would appear late (2-hours late one-time) from the time it was taken.
All in all, it’s a great service. I can’t wait to use that iPhone app vs. going to Safari every time to check-in. I just hope the syncing (Brightkite to Twitter) get’s polished.
It’s out! Another landmark day in the Creative world. Adobe Creative Suite 4 is shipping and in-stores early this morning. Adobe also announced that for a limited time, owners of: CS2, CS1, Macromedia Studio 8, Studio MX 2004, or Production Studio will qualify for up to $200 on eligible upgrades to CS4. This special offer will last till February 28, 2009[1].
You may order CS4 via Amazon by clicking the one that is appropriate for your line of work:
Upgrade to an Adobe Creative Suite 4 Design, Web, or Production Premium edition from an earlier version of Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe Production Studio, or Macromedia Studio software and save up to US$200 off the regular upgrade price. Offer valid on Creative Suite 1 or 2, Adobe Production Studio, Macromedia Studio 8, or Studio MX 2004 Professional. Offer ends February 28, 2009. Prices are in U.S. dollars. All prices are available from the Adobe.com store and by calling 800-585-0774 and are valid in the U.S. and Canada only. Applicable local sales taxes and shipping charges may apply. Allow 2–3 weeks for software delivery. Offer subject to change or withdrawal without notice. Void where prohibited. [↩]
If you don’t know already, Apple has just announced its new line of MacBooks[1] earlier at 10 this morning in Cupertino. Today’s line is a completely new build from the ground-up, starting with its “unibody” approach.
Other than the unibody being totally new to the line as well as the industry, I am liking the following on the MacBooks:
13.3-inch LED-backlit display. The 12-inch ones is just to small. Having that extra 1.1-inch is truly a big step.
All-new, smooth glass Multi-Touch trackpad. No buttons—it itself is the button!
Though these are nice upgrades, the price went up to $1299 for the MacBooks. If I was in need of a new laptop/notebook computer, this would be the best pick. It’s just too bad it doesn’t have an ExpressCard/34 slot like how the MacBook Pros have them. It would be great to have for those people who take their MacBooks on vacation or on trips and wanting to edit/backup/upload their photos from their SD-based media cards (like the one I have for my Canon PowerShot) along with a card read for the slot.
Rocketboom Field Correspondent Ruud Elmendorp speaks with Morris Mbetsa, the 18 year old inventor of a system that allows you to monitor your car via SMS.
I’m hoping iPhone developers get some ideas from this talented young man, and extends it with the GPS feature on the iPhone. This can be a gold-mine of an application. Imagine, an anti-theft system that can control, locate and secure your car. In case of theft or lost of the iPhone, the application itself would have to be tightly-secured either via by thumbprint recognition, eye-scan and/or voice-signal recognition. To better visualize what I’m trying to say with regards to that iPhone app, think Tomorrow Never Dies‘ car chase scene were James Bond (Pierce Brosnan) controls the car remotely:
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