News
Apple files patent for tempo-adjusting iPod
Following this week’s announcement of the Apple/Nike partnership, a new Apple patent application has been made public for a “Music synchronization arrangement” that could control the tempo of music on your iPod depending on the type of exercise being performed. “The invention pertains to a computing device that is capable of controlling the speed of the music so as to affect the mood and behavior of the user during an activity such as exercise,” the application reads. “By way of example, the speed of the music can be controlled to match the pace of the activity (synching the speed of the music to the activity of the user) or alternatively it can be controlled to drive the pace of the activity (increasing or decreasing the speed of the music to encourage a greater or lower pace). One aspect of the invention relates to adjusting the tempo (or some other attribute) of the music being outputted from the computing device.”
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1
This seems like it could be adopted for use by digital DJs for beat-matching.
Posted by stark23x on May 25, 2006 at 6:59 AM (PST)
2
Uh..No…Not for me, anyway. I realize it may be necessary/desired for some, but I like my music at the tempo it was recorded.
However, this could be a great tool for music majors/guitar players/etc who need to slow songs down for listening.
Posted by Cameron T. on May 25, 2006 at 7:07 AM (PST)
3
I get the impression this is more for the purpose of selecting songs at appropriate tempos, not changing the tempos of the songs themselves.
Posted by Sheppy on May 25, 2006 at 7:21 AM (PST)
4
Sheppy—read the article. They’re talking about actively changing the tempo of music that’s playing, not picking a bunch of songs at the same tempo. Smart playlists can do that already.
This is BIG NEWS for DJs who care about beatmatching. True also for anyone who wished their favorite song matched their walking speed.
Posted by PushButtonAction in Atlanta, GA on May 25, 2006 at 7:52 AM (PST)
5
I used to do Irish dancing—my wife still does. I think this will be great for that! We often had to find a piece of music that was the right type (reel vs. jig vs. hornpipe vs…) AND a speed we could manage. This would let us pick a piece of music, and scale it up or down as appropriate.
For instance, learn the routine at a slower pace, then ramp it up as we get the hang of it.
Posted by Charles on May 25, 2006 at 8:13 AM (PST)
6
That, along with cross fading (well, now that we’re at it…a functioning battery meter) would be great. Think this would be a patch, or would it only be offered to those smart enough to wait?
Posted by keithnyc on May 25, 2006 at 8:37 AM (PST)
7
Think about the Apple/Nike hardware. Recall trying to jog to your iPod at any other pace than the music. Now potentially your running shoes wirelessly and continuously tells the iPod your pace, and the music adjusts.
Posted by cbowers on May 25, 2006 at 4:44 PM (PST)
8
Pitch control would be a killer feature although some way off I imagine. Using the wheel as pitch control would position the iPod as a DJ tool when combined with a mixer. No stratching though.
Posted by Chris Matchett in London on May 25, 2006 at 11:02 PM (PST)
9
If there’s one thing this world really needs, it’s yet another patent on software.
Posted by phennphawcks on May 25, 2006 at 11:34 PM (PST)
10
Hasn’t the EU finally said enough is enough with these inane software patents? If one regulating body—especially one with the sort of power and clout that the EU has—roundfiles software patents, can the rest of the world ultimately step in line and do likewise?
I’m SURE the original artists will just LOVE Apple and its tempoware mood altering up their music, all in the name of physical phitness. Hey, it’s safer than LSD, after all.
Posted by flatline response on May 26, 2006 at 4:02 AM (PST)
11
I’m SURE artists won’t care. Do they (pun intended) pitch a fit when DJs speed up their song just so its tempo matches the tempo of another song? No. It’s called beatmatching, and it’s a standard by which any reasonable DJ adheres. I understand your point about “song integrity” and all that, but a couple of BPMs isn’t going to make anyone think Frank Sinatra plays gabber.
Can we turn it off if we don’t like it? I’m pretty sure there’ll be an option for that.
Posted by PushButtonAction in Atlanta, GA on May 26, 2006 at 8:56 AM (PST)