IK Multimedia Debuts iRing – 1st Motion Controller for iOS Music Apps
Has wearable technology for the music producing sector finally arrived?
Where’s OUR wearable? Right here.
Well, almost. IK Multimedia has introduced iRing, now available for pre-order, which it claims is the first motion controller for iOS music apps – and beyond. A wearable controller, it’s a deceptively-simple looking device that allows for touch-less parameter control via motion-tracking technology on the iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch.
When used with one or both of the iRing iOS companion apps (iRing FX/Controller or iRing Music Maker), users can make music or control effects simply by waving their hands. It’s abilities go pretty far past making beats, however – check out the video to see how the technology can facilitate control of DAWs, soft synths and even hardware.
iRing is $24.99 – to get a taste, you need to sign up for the waiting list.
Here’s more info from IK Multimedia, and be sure to watch the video, which is worth at least 10,000 words.
How iRing works
Two dual-sided wearable rings are included with iRing, each featuring identifiable patterns that are picked up by the camera on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, and converted to precise positioning information on an XYZ axis, via advanced pattern-recognition algorithms in the iRing FX/Controller app. The positioning data is then converted into standard MIDI messages that can be read by iRing Music Maker, or any compatible Core MIDI app, or even sent to a computer via Wi-Fi*. Control as many as six parameters at the same time.
The powerful and free iRing apps
iRing FX/Controller, one of the two free, iRing companion apps, translates the pattern-recognition data from the device’s camera—based on hand movement of the rings—to MIDI. It’s also an effects processor that features 16 powerful, creative effects that you can use with audio apps via Audiobus or Inter-App Audio, and control with hand movements. The other app, iRing Music Maker, is designed to let everyone, even complete beginners, make great-sounding music just by waving their hands. Control rhythmic elements, synth parts and effects.
Software developers: Get in on iRing technology
If you’re a software developer who would like to incorporate the touch-less motion control of iRings into your apps or software, we’re offering an SDK (software development kit) and a free licensing program to help you on your way. iRing technology can easily be utilized beyond music apps, so if you’re a game, health & fitness, utility or other app developer, contact us and take advantage of the technology and improve the functionality of your apps with iRing.
Contact SDK@IKMultimedia.com
Watch iRing control a classic video game
Planned Obsolescence
May 3, 2014 at 7:30 am (10 years ago)This is crowdfunded vaporware i’d advise against ordering. I preordered, received the device, but IK still has not made the software available which pretty much says it all. I don’t think IK has produced anything good since the iRig Mixer some years back and all their apps are bloated, expensive and don’t rate well compared to Korg, etc, apps. At this point i wish i had not given them the measly $25 as their support as usual has little to no info about when the software will be available and they currently have dead links to it at the webpage so don’t be deceived into thinking this was released as without the software you get two plastic bits for $25 that are useless. Also, i was charged in january for this and it only shipped this past week.