NotePad 1.2 for Palm OS Features Built-In Polyphonic Synthesizer
 December 6, 2003
miniMusic has released version 1.2 of its NotePad music notation software for the Palm Platform. Taking advantage of the more powerful processors and high resolution screens of modern handheld computers, NotePad now has a polyphonic synthesizer built-in and a new notation rendering engine providing sharper and more detailed graphics.
Until now, most PalmOS handheld computers could only generate monophonic sound (one note at a time) and additional hardware was needed to hear chords or counterpoint played back. A few models (mostly from Sony's Clie line of handhelds) have had sound cards built-in or available as an optional add on module, and these have been supported by miniMusic software. But this is the first time that polyphonic sound (many notes at a time) can be played without any additional hardware. All that is required is version 5 or higher of the Palm operating system (supports the Palm Tungsten T, T2, T3, C, E, Zire 71, Sony Clie UX40, UX50, TJ35 and others; will not work on the Zire 21 or Sony Clie TJ25).
Other software developers have been able to generate enhanced audio on OS 5 handhelds from pre-recorded files (like MP3 players for example), but NotePad 1.2 is actually creating the digital audio in real time during playback with no pre-recorded file.
"If the hardware and operating system would have allowed it, this is the product we would have released two years ago," says Chad Mealey, chief developer at miniMusic. "We've constantly struggled with various hardware manufacturers to offer enhanced sound for handheld computers, but now we can just make it ourselves!"
The initial release of NotePad 1.2 will support 4-note polyphony (4 notes can be playing simultaneously) but miniMusic is already working on the next version of the synthesis engine to allow for greater polyphony and even different instrument sounds. NotePad also supports the sound card found in many Sony Clie handhelds (including the T, TG, NR, NX, and NZ-series Clies).
The entire rendering engine has been overhauled to take advantage of the high resolution (320x320 pixel or higher) screens found on most modern handheld computers. Gone are all of the jagged edges on notes, rests, clefs and other notation elements. The other major change is a new exporting feature that lets you export songs as MIDI files to any memory card in your handheld (like SD cards or Memory Sticks) instead of relying on a desktop HotSync plug-in.
Pricing, Availability, and Distribution
The NotePad 1.2 upgrade will be free for all current owners of NotePad, or it can purchased for $29.95 from the miniMusic website, or as part of the new miniMusic Mobile Software Pack available for $59.95 on-line and from select retail outlets (Mobile Software Pack owners must register on the miniMusic website or by mail to get the free upgrade).
Free demos of all miniMusic software titles are currently available for download from the miniMusic web-site and from other Palm OS software distributors such as Handango.com or PalmGear.com.
For more information, visit their web site at www.minimusic.com. | 
