Aussie scientists help air guitarists rock for real

0 Comments | AFP, November, 2006

SYDNEY (AFP) — Australian government scientists have invented a T-shirt which allows wannabe rock star air guitarists to play real music -- without a guitar. The shirt has in-built sensors on the elbows which track arms picking imaginary chords and strumming the air, said Richard Helmer of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation.

The information is then sent by wireless technology to a computer which generates the music. "It's an easy-to-use, virtual instrument that allows real-time music making -- even by players without significant musical or computing skills," Helmer said. "It allows you to jump around and the sound generated is just like an original mp3." There is a serious side to the "wearable instrument shirt" -- which can also play tambourine...