Forget the cloud, here’s a new way to sync your Apple devices that’s sure to get your toes tapping – or hips swinging. Amidio Inc, makers of the popular OMGuitar have created the Futulele, a Ukulele synthesizer with which you strum with an iPad and change chords with an iPhone. It’s the perfect app for people finished with a hard day’s work and just want to kick back with a luau.
The iPad and iPhone communicate via Bluetooth. Chords can be changed with one tap while you’re playing, and since they’re not real strings, strumming’s easy, according to Futulele maker Amidio Inc. In a press release they say that the lag between chord changes is minimal and that the sound is such high quality that it “captures every little nuance of a high-grade professional Ukulele instrument.” Twelve different chords can be used for each song, and once you’ve gotten into the groove your island music creations can be recorded and shared through OMGuitar.
A ukulele-shaped jacket holds the devices together to give you a ukulele feel. The one they have now is a prototype, and they’re currently searching for a manufacturer to produce Futulele cases. They’d also like those cases to come with embedded speakers. If any Hub readers are interested you can contact Amidio here.
If the Futulele sounds awesome to you but you only have an iPad, don’t worry, the app also works with just an iPad.
Here’s a video of the Futulele accompanying Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling In Love” – kind of. Tell me if I’m wrong, but it seems as though the music’s dubbed in. The singer’s strummin’ isn’t in sync with the Ukulele sounds. Should that be a reason for caution? I guess I’ll just wait for the reviews before I try my hand at Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
Amidio hasn’t indicated a price yet, but my guess is that it’ll be in the ballpark of OMGuitar’s $6.99. Hopefully by then they’ll have found a Futulele case with speakers. A luau just isn’t the same with headphones.
[image credits: Amidio Inc and AmidioInc via YouTube]
images: Futulele
video: Futulele