Transform your phone into a musical instrument

Italian startup Artinoise, known for reimagining traditional musical instruments, has unveiled its latest innovation: Zefiro.

This compact, USB-C-enabled device, shaped like the mouthpiece of a recorder, transforms smartphones, tablets, and PCs into versatile musical instruments.

Zefiro pairs with a dedicated companion app offering around 32 instrument sounds, ranging from flutes and violins to trumpets, saxophones, and even bagpipes. The device integrates lip sensors and a miniaturised air pressure sensor, allowing users to control volume and pitch through breath power. When connected, Zefiro is recognised via MIDI input, and the app displays virtual buttons, keys, or wind holes, emulating the tactile experience of playing a traditional instrument.

To support the product launch, Artinoise has introduced a Kickstarter campaign with backers able to secure Zefiro at €22 (£19), compared to the retail price of €42 (£36). The app itself, available on both the App Store and Google Play Store, will be free to download, but its functionality requires the Zefiro device.

Beyond sound options, the app offers a suite of features, including built-in breathing exercises, sound layering, a looper function, background noises, and the ability to record and share audio clips. According to TechCrunch, Artinoise plans to update the app every two months with new capabilities. One anticipated feature is the ability for users to customise the app interface, mapping buttons and notes based on uploaded images.

“Maybe they can put the face of someone they know, the button on the eye, on the cheeks, mouth, or whatever, or invent some kind of different instrument, and putting down the notes that they want to play,” Artinoise Founder and CTO Davide Mancini told TechCrunch.

Image courtesy of Artinoise/YouTube