Every manufacturer at some point dabbles with some left field ideas. And sometimes this foolishness actually changes the way things work. Pioneer DJ (for that is what they are now) entirely changed the game once before with the CDJs. And after a number of other hand-on gear revolutions in DJing that they we’re involved in, they seem to be dipping their toe in new tech once again, but this time it’s decidedly hands off.
Ceatec 2014 held in Tokyo played host to the latest and greatest from the world of tech. The BBC amongst others was there to cover the event, and alongside the usual curiosities that are unlikely to be seen outside of Japan anytime soon, this Pioneer “Future DJ” concept was also on show. Looking like a cross between Leapmotion and Wipeout/Tempest, this appears to be taking DJing into a simplified near gaming sphere where single gestures allow you to select and play tracks, and your other hand controls effects.
For all we know, it might be a Leapmotion in a fancier box (I doubt it though), and it seems to be a clear case of throwing stuff at the wall and seeing what sticks. Time has shown that DJs don’t take to kindly to using anything but hand-on techniques — even touch technologies have had a rough ride in the scene. So I’m not sure how an entirely hands-off methodology will be received. That said, I always welcome some boundary pushing as it encourages fresh thinking that can bring smart news ways of doing things, or at least cherry-picking the best bits of crazy ideas and turning them into something practical.
Obviously we’ll post more on this should anything arrive, but I suspect it’ll be a while before this concept turns into anything real.
Gallery
Top image courtesy of wearabletechnologies.co.uk
Other images courtesy of BBC Click (iPlayer link)
Big thanks to Sam Randell for the original BBC Click link too.
The future is here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNZ5v0vrsyM&list=UUp1xCZ4ODNM2OJuKoBrghDA
Never gets old.
seems like a great stuff to enjoy a hot pot
A pair of turntables/cdjs and a mixer is good enough and maybe a laptop with dj software.
For most of us perhaps. But some people like to find different ways to play music to a crowd. That’s OK isn’t it?
No.
There is a strict and rigid code of antiquated equipment and it’s permitted usage THAT WE MUST NOT DEVIATE FROM!
For instance; I still use phonographs with wax cylinders, therefore making me morally superior to every other DJ in the world.
I’m having my favourite tracks made into music boxes, and will pitch control by letting them wind down a little. #realdj
Puh-lease! I bang sticks on rocks for a bit of tribal jungle, just like in the old days.
Of course but it’s just personal preference just sayin.
Good luck bringing any camera based motion detection technology into a club. We were experimenting with this in 2011, and club lighting made it totally unreliable. Of course you can have LED fixtures, but camera based tech is very unreliable in clubs, still. Devices like the MYO armband seem the best way for now.
In theory Kinect kind sensors could work in low light ambiences due their ir sensors. The guys at Delicode (zvector) said it is a reliable option even doing people tracking in the middle of the crowd.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MEZWgCkQB4
“In theory”. We tried in practice.
I will try it and share ;)
I agree with @szantog:disqus. The Myos are the most interesting option for MIDI control at this point, especially since you can use two at a time. The Kinect and the Leap are both too easily affected by incandescent lighting – LEDs are fine, but unless you’re a headliner selling out stadiums you can’t really get away with putting lighting specs on your rider.
However, the Kinect handles live visuals just fine – stay tuned for my review of Z-Vector, the software pictured in the video above (hi Julius!) :)
It is labeled with “concept” not “Gospel Truth”, maybe we could look at it like a concept…
Yes. An incredibly ridicous concept.
That’s your opinion only. Pioneer has its own. To make my own I need to try by myself. Arguing about taste without try it is called “prejudice” and usually is far away from “truth” or “sense” ;)
omg grandmaster jay is back
Meh, I mean, this isn’t the worst thing ever, but touch control has barely been made efficient for general use. No-touch control is more of a gimmick. Glad they are trying new things, cause these weird ideas are what usually lead to really solid products.
This is perfect for the pre-recorded set EDM DJs for a couple reasons. 1) It solves the problem of needing to push the Play button before their set. 2) They can use their favorite hand gestures to control the music! For example, the Jesus Christ pose drops the bass, the Hand Heart triggers an epic breakdown, Pointing To the Sky activates an otherworldly buildup and The Cake Toss….well, you’ll have to wait and see. Can you say Game Changer!
one man ableton symphony conductor
jesus pose activates high pass filter for maxium euphoria
Hahaha. Made my day :-)
maximum lolz right there :) Nice one
Why is no one creating good DJ headphones with headlights.
I need lights.
Show me the lights!
i reckon i know a certain hand gesture that auto searches Swedish House Mafia tracks
I can’t imagine an instance where this gains any traction but in the consumer market of gaming – a combo of Just Dance and DJ Hero. so lots of money to be had if they marketed it well i guess – I’m jumping to some big conclusions. Having tried Kinect/xbox games, I don’t think I would ever want to buy a piece of dj gear for gestured DJing. one word: WACK
So I take it DJ Hero is coming back as a Kinect game huh?