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Smule: Combines Computer Science and Music Interests
Posted on April 16th, 2009 20 comments
Ge Wang is a very unique individual and a cofounder of Smule. Ge is an Assistant Prof @ Stanford’s Computer Research in Music and Acoustics who also happens to hold a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Princeton and was involved in development of Chuck, an audio programming language [not the hour-long program several of us watch every Monday @ 8pm
] He is also an iPhone app developer, and is behind Ocarina for the iPhone. TechCrunch loves them, especially since they recently raised $3.9 million in VC funding.So here’s a geek, that’s combined his “geekness” [Ph.D. in CS] with his love of music and obvious past in playing Nintindo games [Legend of Zelda theme]. Best of both worlds! Hank

20 responses to “Smule: Combines Computer Science and Music Interests”
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Tim DeLong April 16th, 2009 at 07:06
I used to play that video game all the time when I was younger, using that orcarina to travel in time…HA. Another technology app that the Iphone has come out with. So much cool stuff coming out for that thing really makes me wonder why i didn’t get one.
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Devarshi Patel April 16th, 2009 at 07:47
It’s true that when passion is combined with work, wonders are created….
999
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Sergio Flores April 16th, 2009 at 08:31
Combining the geekness, nothing better. I think that the computer entertainment world has a huge bright future with the implementation of these type of technologies. It will be interesting when they are able to get those type of programs on other mobile devices such as regular cell phones….lets see what the future brings
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George Takahashi April 16th, 2009 at 09:19
Funny enough I actually had the pleasure of playing around with ocarinas as I grew up. My uncle taught me when I was young how to sculpt and tune a sweet potato Ocarina (tuned in C). I also got to play with the ocarina app with my co-worker’s iPhone a while back. I must say, it feels really odd not being able to feel the holes as you play, and even though I am pro-technological advancement, I always feel like a traditionalist when it comes to wind and brass instruments. In contrast I am very interested in the technological advancement of string instruments. Being able to play an electric viola or an electric guitar while barely making any noise, appeals a great deal to me (especially when i don’t know how to play well and have picky neighbors).
Now, when it comes to the definition of music, I believe that no matter how its made, if it sounds good and beats to a rhythm I can jive to, I will definately enjoy. My brother used to compose music in Reason (High end audio application) for all types of genres, nearly completely digitally. The moment i listened to an orchestral composition he made completely digitally, I decided that as long as I liked the music, I will not be picky of how its made. As a note, I still love playing Zelda: Links awakening with its 4-bit sound track.
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Emily Hirsch April 16th, 2009 at 10:11
I really agree with Devarshi, when someone can put their passions to work, the sky is the limit. I’m not big into computer or video games, but I thought this was pretty neat!
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Andrew Sadler April 16th, 2009 at 10:27
With all of new apps being developed for the iPhone it amazes me that people ever pay attention in class! This is another very creative game. I wonder how many apps iPhone is going to have before it’s said and done.
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Allison Yeater April 16th, 2009 at 12:40
I have to agree with the above posts….When you have the chance to create something that you have a passion for, things happen. I also used to play Zelda when I was younger, as i’m sure Ge did too. Who knew something you did as a child would be popular with adults too
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Tanmaya Anand April 16th, 2009 at 13:29
Its nice to see how apple and the iphone are trying to incorporate certain traditional instruments and tools into the iphone. Also onecan take away an inportant message from this writing and that is to follow your passion and do what you love doing best
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Tim Sutton April 16th, 2009 at 14:00
Im 21 and i feel like technology was long left me. These ipones come with sooo many more features besides just a phone and a key pad. I honestly think that there’s so much more to come with these phones that people are going to be so glad they own one.
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David Bryant April 16th, 2009 at 14:37
Very interesting application. There are so many of them coming out each day its hard to keep up. I used to own an Iphone and really don’t know what I was thinking when I switched to a blackberry. Oh well my loss, maybe after my two year contract is up there will be a newer iphone that might catch my eye.
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Margaret Kendrick April 16th, 2009 at 15:01
I think this application is just an example of one of the many ways in which we are constantly changing how we do things. It was pretty interesting to see you use the app in class, and I’m interested in seeing how it works for myself, so I might even end up downloading the app for my iPhone. Thanks for sharing!
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Lauren Withers April 16th, 2009 at 17:23
I thought that the app was really neat. It looked like fun when you were playing with it in class. I just do not get how people think of these things. To make music by blowing into a phone.
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Kyle Maple April 16th, 2009 at 18:46
This is a very cool app. Too bad i am iphoneless. Zelda is a sweet game.
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Katie Robinson April 16th, 2009 at 19:04
This is different, I don’t see the point behind it though. Its neat that you can do this on the phone but it is a pointless app in my opinion. I would rather pick up the actual instrument then play it on my phone. I do like that there is alot you can do with your phones now and it shows how much technology has evolved over the years.
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Brian Crowder April 16th, 2009 at 19:55
It is also the original theme song to Zelda on the original nintendo. I remember it well. All the times I had to leave the NES on to get to Gannon… Good times. Definitely think the app is cool. Still yet to get an iPhone, but I probably won’t since you have to go through AT&T (correct me if I’m wrong). Might get an iTouch… For this, if it’s available, and Coupious =)
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Micah Johnston April 16th, 2009 at 20:47
I don’t know why, but this reminds me of the Theremin ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJYho56INKU ). I guess maybe it’s because its’ a new instrument and yet the 8bit history still thrives to make an appearance near the front of the line. Pretty much awesome in my opinion. I like how the iPhone is more than a phone, it’s also a time filler (or waster depending on how you look at it). I like my iTouch, but there are so many apps. that are only useful for the iPhone because of it’s added capabilities. I suppose someday an iPhone concept phone will be a norm for everyone to have. I’m just waiting for the future phones to be our LIFE phones – everything our life “needs” in one device. A lot of people now say they can’t go without there phone, but what we have now will be so primitive compared to a near future phone product…can’t wait.
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Vincent Witzel April 16th, 2009 at 22:07
While I don’t really see people walking around town blowing air into their iPhone to play their digital flute, one has to admire the plethora of ideas people are incorporating into Apple’s little miracle device. Every day I’m waiting to hear about the next iPhone app which can perform X-Ray and MRI scans on the spot, at the same time converting the iPhone into a medical device that can be used for minimally invasive surgery…
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Sikhanysiwe Nkala April 16th, 2009 at 22:17
Just got the app. I have been annnoying my roomates but i love it. I love how apple keeps coming out with new innovations. THE IPHONE is just amazing.
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Spencer McKee April 17th, 2009 at 03:19
This brings back bad memories. I spent days on Majora’s Mask and never beat it. But this app is pretty cool. The iPhone really has limitless possibilities.
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Brandon Barnes April 23rd, 2009 at 11:46
I never beat that game either and its the only time i seen a ocarina before. The iphone is amazing and will open the door for many great program developers.
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