Having announced last year that it was bringing keyboard lessons to its platform, Duolingo has just ups its music tuition game by partnering with Loog on a portable digital piano: the Loog x Duolingo Piano.
Essentially a Duolingo-flavoured version of Loog’s existing beginner piano – meaning that it comes in Brat summer green – this three-octave, synth-action instrument promises a “musician-grade” piano sound and has a built-in battery and speakers.
There’s a volume knob on the top and, round the back, octave shifter and sustain ports, a 3.5mm headphones output and a USB-C socket for charging and transmitting MIDI. A wooden phone stand comes in the box, as do Duolingo Piano Flashcards.
Of course, this particular keyboard isn’t essential if you want to use Duolingo’s music lessons – perhaps, any other MIDI-equipped model would do the job – but it certainly looks the part, and at $249 is reasonably affordable.
The Loog x Duolingo Piano is available for pre-order now on the Duolingo website.
Today, Dato launched a Kickstarter project to fund production of the Dato DRUM – a ‘playful’ drum machine that’s designed for collaborative beatmaking.
The Dato DRUM features a simple interface that offers four sets of controls, so multiple people can play it at the same time. But it also offers some advanced features, like user-replaceable samples, MIDI and Sync connectivity and more.
Features:
Four sample-based drum voices with pitch control
Eight-step circular sequencer per voice
Pressure-sensitive drum pads
Built-in speaker, USB power, MIDI and SYNC
User-replaceable samples via a web-based tool
Musicians and non-musicians of all ages were involved in the design process, resulting in a unique and robust instrument. The DRUM has a focused selection of features inviting hands-on interaction. Each voice has its own eight-step sequencer that always shows the entire pattern with its colorful lights, making it easy to explore different rhythms.
Production of the Dato DRUM is being funded via a Kickstarter campaign. It’s available to project backers for about $334.
*Note: Crowdfunding projects can involve risk. See the project website for details.
