Hey there, fellow musicians in the VR universe! Today, we’re going to explore how VR and music can come together to create some epic times. So, grab your virtual popcorn (just kidding, get comfy), and let’s talk about music in the metaverse!
The “Impact Reality XR Podcast” – Your VIP Pass to VR
Imagine a podcast where folks from the world of VR and AR pull back the curtain to give viewers a behind the scenes look at the industry. Well, you don’t have to imagine it – it’s called the “Impact Reality XR Podcast,” and it’s your backstage pass to the VR universe! To kick off the most recent episode, the show’s host, Eric, introduces you to his cool friends: Wes Dillon from Virtual Strangers and PSVR GamesCast Live, and Elliot Tate from the Flat to VR Modding Group. These guys are the real deal when it comes to VR. Ever heard of Beat Saber? Well, Elliot Tate has spent so much time modding it that he probably dreams of neon sabers! And what’s Flat to VR? It’s Elliot’s fun side gig where he leads a community of passionate gamers who are working to bring all traditional video games into VR.
On this episode, developer Zac Reid shares some big news – the launch of PianoVision, a top selling mixed reality game, on Meta Quest 2 and 3. He’s super pumped about it, and who can blame him? It’s making real waves among VR fans.
From Game Geek to Musical Maestro in Mixed Reality
Picture this: you’re a die-hard gamer, and your passion for smashing buttons and breaking records knows no bounds. You dipped your toes into music theory, but it felt like trying to make friends with an uncooperative Rubik’s Cube. Then, in 2016, the Hololens changed the game, and made AR a reality. It was like receiving a superhero cape for your music-making dreams!
While you waited for the right moment to dive into AR, you channeled your inner keyboard ninja with Oculus DK1. It was like being at the edge of the VR cliff, ready to jump in. And then, bam! You decided to create a piano learning app. Mixed reality eventually became your sidekick, adding extra oomph to your superpowers. You eventually took a leap of faith, leaving your day job at Cisco, and went all in on your project. Does this story seem a bit far-fetched to you? Well, this is exactly what happened to Zac Reid from PianoVision. And he rocked his opportunity, creating something unique, memorable and really, really cool!
For Zac, waiting for the Quest 2 with its pass-through API was like waiting for his turn on the swing as a kid; a little bit nerve-wracking but totally worth it in the end. The eventual implementation of hand tracking wasn’t just icing on the cake, it was the whole cake. It was just the thing to bring PianoVision from concept to reality.
The Virtual Piano App: Where Real and Virtual Get Cozy
So, are you ready to rock the virtual piano world? PianoVision is your backstage pass to the magic of making music, and it’s got some nifty tricks up its sleeve. Mini games, learning pieces, and the memory engine; even as a complete beginner you can memorize and play music without needing an actual piano. How cool is that?
PianoVision serves up exercises and activities to make you a pro at the keys. It’s like having your own, personal piano teacher in your pocket. After two years of hard work and the invaluable addition of Australian piano maestro Benjamin to the PianoVision team, the app has recently released on Quest 3 and is already a top selling application! PianoVision is packed with over a thousand songs, 400 exercises, and scales with chord exercises. From one-note wonders to level 12 maestros, there’s something for everyone. But the fun doesn’t stop here! The app’s creators are preparing more surprises, like finger indicators for MIDI keyboards. It will be like having your own little GPS for the piano.
From gamer to musician, Zac’s journey wasn’t always solo. Zac and Benjamin are like the Batman and Robin of the music world, and they’ve got some epic plans. User-created content, MIDI files sharing, and making public domain music a easy to learn – this dynamic duo is on a roll! And hey, who said learning has to be boring? You can also jazz things up with fun, non-classical content. The team aims to make the app so user-friendly that even your grandma can become a piano pro.
The Future Is Here: Machine Learning and the Piano Vision
What else is on PianoVision’s to-do list? Machine learning algorithms are set to make learning music a breeze. And of course, as these progressive and innovative features become a reality, PianoVision will need some additional updates. The app already has loads of songs and exercises, but it can be a bit rough on the edges at times. For example, you will need very good lighting for solid hand tracking, and you cannot play some of the more complex songs on your virtual keyboard at the moment. But the developers are always working to improve the user experience, and these features are certain to improve over time.
The metaverse isn’t just a fancy word – for some, it’s a whole new way of learning. It’s like learning, but with a sprinkle of magic dust. Breaking down complex processes and ideas into bite-sized pieces is the name of the game. Learning a song or tackling a tough language is like solving a puzzle – it’s tricky, but it can be oh-so-satisfying. Imagine being a superhero who can instantly decode even the hardest languages. The metaverse is quite literally taking traditional learning and transforming it into a 3D adventure.
The Virtual Piano App: Where Magic Meets Music
And there you have it, folks! PianoVision isn’t just an app; it’s a machine that zaps music right into your brain. It’s designed to make learning a breeze, like catching a cool breeze on a sunny day. With features for every skill level and a helping hand to guide you, it’s the musical buddy you never knew you needed. The world of VR and music is a rollercoaster of fun, learning, and endless possibilities. So, why wait? Get this fantastic Piano Vision app, join their Discord and let’s rock and roll!