IK Multimedia has announced the iRing, a motion-tracking controller for iOS music apps and more. Now musicians and others can control sound effects and other parameters of their favorite apps, in real time, using hand position, freeing them from needing to touch the screen.

The iRing utilizes a wearable ring with identifiable markers, the mobile device's front-facing camera, and computer vision with recognition algorithms built into an app, to determine the precise positioning of the ring markers, tracking their movements and position on the 3-dimensional space in front of the device. This system provides a low-cost solution and a motion-tracking device that is accurate and affordable to anyone.

The iRing controller is a lightweight, double-sided ring that the user wears between two fingers. Each ring features a linear dot pattern on one side and a triangular pattern on the other. The device camera picks up the positioning of the ring patterns and the apps convert that information into music commands for dedicated app or MIDI information, which any compatible music app can read. This means that a user can now operate up to six controllable music parameters in their preferred music apps with one or two hands gestures.

The iRing includes two identical double-sided ring controllers, plus two free apps for music applications. The iRing Music Maker app gives music lovers a way to create music and grooves using hand gestures, with no music knowledge required.
The included iRing FX/Controller app targets skilled musicians and DJs, and converts the distance information from the rings into MIDI control information that can be configured by the user.

The iRing will cost US$24.99 and will be available later this quarter in three colors (white, green and silver) at music and electronics retailers worldwide. Pre-orders are now available on the IK Multimedia online store. For more info go to www.ikmultimedia.com/iring .