11 years ago, a chronotext experiment named rollercoaster reader allowed you to draw your own curve on your iPhone and let some text slide over it by tilting the device.

2 years later, another experiment named textoy proposed a similar concept, but for desktop computers. This time, a fixed downward gravity was simulated, and the possibility of pushing text via the mouse was added. In addition, sound generation made its appearance…

TextNoise, the outcome of these 2 experiments, is an iPhone app for making sound (some will call it “noise”) out of text under the effect of gravity or via touch. Trace your own curve and type some text, then play with it or send it to a friend.

How it works

Each letter of the Latin alphabet, as well as each of the 10 ten digits, can produce a sound at a particular frequency. On a straight part of the curve, the letter “A” would produce a barely audible 55hz sound. Depending upon the curvature, the frequency could reach up to 55hz + 3,520hz. Similarly, the letter “B” would produce sound between 110hz and 110hz + 3,520hz depending upon the curvature. The same progression applies to the rest of the letters. Then come the digits, the highest frequency of which is produced by the digit 9: between 1,980hz and 1,980hz + 3,520hz.

Only the first 36 characters of the entered text will produce sound. In addition, the velocity of text affects volume; and finally, pressing on a word will raise the volume as well.