oMoo makes music feelable with innovative haptic technology
Startup company oMoo turns the consumption of music into a tactile experience.
Music is a universal language, and classically it’s your ears that are the receiver of these sounds. We’ve got bone and cartilage conduction headphones, and now a company called oMoo is aiming to let people experience music through touch alone.
Using haptic technology, oMoo transforms music into real-time vibrations that users can experience through their smartphone. The app is partially designed to make music more accessible to people with hearing impairments, but it’s also for anyone who wants to experience songs they enjoy in a new way. As the company puts it:
“It translates the beat, flow and texture of a song in real time, allowing you to touch the full details of your favourite song on your phone.”
oMoo was created by Jemmy Lee, who was inspired to develop the app after seeing the challenges his grandmother faced with hearing loss. While there is a focus is on accessibility, the app is for anyone interested in experiencing music through touch. Whether you’re exploring new ways to engage with music or you’re an artist wanting to connect with a broader audience, oMoo offers a unique sensory experience.
The experience is customisable, with the app offering “Five haptic styles and unlimited intensity levels to choose from, helping you find the perfect haptic music experience”. With the free version, it appears you can experience the haptic versions of songs connected to Apple Music and SoundCloud, up to 30 seconds long. There are also options to import music, and premium subscriptions offer extra features.
The app was originally launched as Tempo-Pulse but has been rebranded as oMoo. It’s available for free on the iPhone, with premium options for those who want extra features. You can pay $3.99 a month, $29.99 a year, or $99.99 for lifetime access.
With the rise of sensory technologies in music, oMoo is joining a growing trend of apps and devices that aim to make music more inclusive. It’s part of a larger movement to ensure that everyone can experience music in a way that works for them.
