Cycling '74 Previews New Software For The Lemur Multi-touch Control Surface
January 21, 2006
Cycling '74 today announced revision software 1.3 for the JazzMutant Lemur Multi-touch control surface. The forthcoming update will be available via download for all current Lemur customers. New software features in version 1.3 allow the Lemur to be reconfigured in powerful ways from a host computer via the OSC (Open Sound Control) protocol.
The Lemur is a hardware controller for new media applications featuring a proprietary LCD touch screen for which users create their own user interfaces. The Lemur sends OSC messages to a Windows or Mac host computer over 100-base T Ethernet. The new version 1.3 software expands the repertoire of OSC commands the host computer can send back to the Lemur, allowing any of the eight types of user interface objects to be changed on the fly. This allows the Lemur to be used both as a controller and a status monitor.
Most intriguing are the new messages for switching among the Lemur's multiple interface "pages" from the host computer. This means, for example, that a composition could automatically change the interface presented to a performer as a piece progresses. Other new features include new graphic designs for many of the UI objects, six new functions for the Lemur's powerful built-in mathematical expression language, and new ways to customize the appearance of the standard objects.
Version 1.3 continues JazzMutant's policy of regular updating of the Lemur software since the product was first released in mid-2005. New features added over the past several months include MIDI support, a new "RingArea" UI objects that resembles a super joystick, and a unique time synchronization system. For more information, visit their web site at www.cycling74.com.
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