Sony launches motion-sensing music controller but you can’t use it yet

Sony has launched a new device that is aimed at helping you control music as you move. The company has launched Motion Sonic, which the company describes as an "effects gear to control sound in sync with your motion for playing music."

The entire device consists of a tiny capsule-like design that can be attached to two different kinds of bands, one of which can be placed on your wrist, like you would wear a fitness tracker. This band can be worn while playing an instrument like a guitar. The other band can be worn at the back of your hand. It is better suited for playing devices like keyboards and pianos.

This setup connects with the Motion Sonic iOS app, where you can create and save all the sound effects. It is compatible with iPhones (iPhone 8 or later) running on iOS 13 or later, iPads (iPad mini 5th generation or later or iPad Air 3rd generation or later) running on iPadOS 13 or later. It is not compatible with Android devices yet.

What this device does is that it links your hand motions to specific musical effects. For example, you could set it to delay sound in sync with moving your arm up and down. You could also set it to pull a note when you roll your hand.

An interesting bit about Motion Sonic is that Sony has introduced it on crowdfunding platform Indiegogo instead of launching it on its own website. But this is not the first time that Sony has launched a device on a crowdfunding platform first. Last year, it launched its Reon Pocket wearable air-conditioner on its own First Flight platform. But it was limited to Japan with Indiegogo, Sony is making this device available in the US and in Japan. This means that for people living in other countries, this gadget remains inaccessible.

As far as the pricing is concerned, Motion Sonic retails at $248 or 27,200 Yen. However, the first 400 units will be available for $218 or 23,900 Yen. The company will start shipping the device in March 2022.