Sonic media application developer Smule has introduced a new application called Zephyr for the iPhone.

With this app, users can express thoughts by writing or drawing on a snow covered screen. Zephyr senses every touch and tilt to supplement each message with a unique wind sound, creating a unique visual and audio story.

"Smule believes that people are inherently creative and has therefore created a new class of audio applications that are expressive," said Jeff Smith, CEO of Smule, Menlo Park, CA.

"Neither Zephyr nor the Ocarina uses pre-compiled sounds," he said. "All user gestures generate unique audio which is dynamically synthesized based on user gesture.

"In the case of Ocarina, your wind shapes the sound, your tilt adjusts the vibrato, and your touch controls pitch. In the case of Zephyr, tilt and multi-touch define the sound."

Ocarina is a musical application created by Smule. Ocarina is sensitive to breath, touch and movements.

Unlike other musical applications, there are no precompiled riffs so musicians find unlimited opportunities for self-expression. Advanced options allow them to choose between diatonic, minor and harmonic scales.

With the Zephyr app, gently composed writing might be accompanied by the sound of a lightly blowing breeze.

Quickly drawn designs might generate the sound of blustery winds.

Users can release their snow and wind compositions into the atmosphere. These messages ultimately land in the hands of people across the globe.

"Following the first wind instrument, Ocarina, Smule has skipped over the other wind instruments for now and shipped the wind itself," Mr. Smith said. "Using the Chip audio engine which combines Chuck and the iPhone, Smule has created an innovative and expressive new instrument."'

If a recipient likes a particular message, he or she can express love by tapping on a heart icon.

A message that is loved will get passed on to another recipient. So, the most interesting messages will be shared by the most people.

Zephyr connects people across countries and continents through one-of-a-kind, personal expressions.

"The strategy here is to connect the world using sound," Mr. Smith said. "We call this a sonic network.

"In some ways the antithesis of social networks, Smule believes that people can connect with one another through expressive audio, and can do so through anonymous relationships," he said.
Zephyr uses a new instrument, namely the wind.

"Smule has created a true physical model for wind, complete with variable resonance, pitch, and register," Mr. Smith said. "A user's touch, including direction and velocity, will shape the sound of the wind."