Mobile phone hacker Steffest has created this fantastic and ingenious mobile phone guitar made from five smartphones. The mobile phone guitar was created for a presentation on mobile development for MobileCampBrussels.
The Guitar uses three programming languages, 2 x third-party apps, a custom cross-platform sequencer app, three mobile phone platforms, and 5 x smartphones together with a pair of battery-powered speakers and a few reels of duct tape. Check out the video of the mobile phone guitar in action after the jump.
The Creation Process
To be able to play them all together, Stef just taped the phones to a piece of wood and connected the devices with audio cables. Building the custom app to control the latency was a problem, so Stef ended up writing it three times: in Java for Android, in C# for Windows Mobile, and in Objective-C for iPhone. This multi-platform approach ensured that each phone could communicate seamlessly, despite their different operating systems.
The ingenuity of this project lies not only in its technical execution but also in its creative use of everyday technology. By leveraging the capabilities of smartphones, Stef was able to transform them into a cohesive musical instrument. This project demonstrates the potential of mobile technology beyond its conventional uses, showcasing how versatile and powerful these devices can be when used innovatively.
Technical Challenges and Solutions
One of the significant challenges Stef faced was managing the latency between the devices. Latency refers to the delay before a transfer of data begins following an instruction for its transfer. In a musical context, even a slight delay can disrupt the harmony and timing of the performance. To address this, Stef had to develop a custom app that could synchronize the audio output of all five phones accurately. This required a deep understanding of each platform’s audio processing capabilities and the ability to write efficient code that minimized delay.
Another challenge was the physical assembly of the guitar. Ensuring that the phones were securely attached and that the audio cables were properly connected required careful planning and execution. The use of duct tape, while seemingly rudimentary, was a practical solution that provided the necessary stability and flexibility. Additionally, the battery-powered speakers were chosen to ensure that the setup was portable and could be used in various locations without the need for external power sources.
The final result was a fully functional mobile phone guitar that could be played like a traditional instrument. This project not only highlights Stef’s technical skills but also his creativity and ability to think outside the box. It serves as an inspiration for other developers and hobbyists to explore the possibilities of mobile technology and to push the boundaries of what can be achieved with these devices.
Via MAKE Via Steffest
Have a look at our article on Android vs iPhone to see which smartphone and mobile platform is best for you.
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