Spoonjack today announced iBone -- the Pocket Trombone for iPhone and iPod Touch. iBone lets users play along with music in their iTunes library and with songs from the iBone Songbook and even shows them how. iBone combines an instrument, band, and trainer into a single application.
"Our aim is to produce something playable, practicable, and fun," said Tom Scharfeld, Founder of Spoonjack. "With iBone, we've brought the Bone and the band to the phone so users can make music, have fun, and even learn wherever they may be."
iBone features an interface easy enough for anyone to use: 1. Touch the display or blow into the microphone to produce a sound. 2. Slide fingers to change pitch. 3. Raise and lower the bell to change volume.
In spite of its simplicity, they say, iBone stays true to a trombone. Capable of the Trombone's standard two and a half octave range, users can slur up and down, and slide in and out, all while producing real trombone sound.
iBone brings the band along too. Those who have developed the skills can accompany the lead or take the solo spot in any song from their iTunes library.
Those new to the iBone or trombone may instead select from the iBone Songbook. The iBone Songbook features a selection of traditional and classical favorites, each with their own unique accompaniment.
Introductory selections include:
-- Air (on a G String) with Guitar -- Aura Lee with Piano -- Greensleeves with Accordion -- Ride of the Valkyries with Orchestra
Not only does iBone provide the songs and the band, it also shows one how to play. A series of rings fall in-tempo with the song and mark the position and time of the note. Users tap the ring at the bottom of its fall to hit the right note at the right time. To hear what the song is supposed to sound like, users can activate roboBone to play it for them.
iBone is available in the iTunes App Store now with an introductory price of US$2.99.
