The IPhone Ocarina Is Definitely Worth $.99
For some reason I woke up at 5 am this morning - may have had something to do with a dream about MacGyver trying to kill me - and couldn't get back to sleep again. While I waited in vain for Mr. Sandman to come back, I grabbed my iPhone and started browsing the App Store. I remembered reading something about Smule's new Ocarina app on sister site Homotron, found it, and half-dozing, figured "what the hell?" before punching in my iTunes password and downloading the program.
I've only played with it a bit since then, but I've already had about $.99 worth of fun, and that's without any musical ability or using the social networking functions of the application. The program can use the iPhone 3G's GPS functions to locate you and share your musical creations with other people around the world. It can be a bit tricky to get used to (and you may end up a little cross-eyed at first), but it's a fun diversion. Remember, "For best results, blow softly, as if you're blowing kisses." Adorable!
The $.99 price appears to be introductory. It's not clear how much the price will go up, or when, but iPhone owners should make up their minds soonish.
Smule's ocarina website includes some short instructions and sample scores, including the theme from Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, which has probably done more for a simple woodwind instrument since Zamfir picked up a pan flute. After the break, check out a video of a gentleman playing the theme, as well as a clip of some hippie-types taking on Stairway to Heaven.
Ocarina App [Smule]
[via: Homotron]
Ocarina of Time:
Stairway to Heaven:
SMule: Ocarina [Stairway] from SonicMule, Inc. on Vimeo.
Dawdle
Posted to Music on 8 November 2008
· Comments (5)
Other stuff like this: apple, iphone, legend of zelda, nintendo, ocarina, smule
Well that's FANTASTIC!
This program made me giggle like a little girl.
This is really just one of those things you buy to prove to your friends how much better your iPhone is than whatever they've got. Still, the sense of superiority is probably worth 99 cents.
C left
C up
C right
C left
C up
C right
That's how you play an ocarine ( ^_^)
Plus you show everyone else that you had connections to the Royal Family!
I bought this one and am trying to learn to play the LoZ theme song.