CVE-2021-33897: Synthesia News Archive

Oct 31 2021

Synthesia 10.8

MusicXML files can now be opened by Synthesia!

For now, none of the additional musical information (vs. a MIDI file) is being used when drawing sheet music. But MusicXML files should load, play, and sound correct. We’ll be using the newly available musical information to improve the sheet music over the next several updates. If you spot something that doesn’t sound correct, please let us know!

What’s new in Synthesia 10.8:

• MusicXML file loading.
• Reworked full-screen sheet music navigation. (Watch the video.)
• The song list should load about 100x faster.
• Apple silicon support on macOS.
• Many other fixes and improvements.

May 20 2021

Changing Lives for 15 Years

Synthesia has been around since before apps were called apps. Over the years, my favorite thing has been learning the different ways it has impacted the lives of its users.

Recently YouTube collected and showcased a number of stories about videos that have done the same for users of their platform. One of those stories was about a Japanese seaweed farmer that used videos of songs played in Synthesia to achieve his dreams of becoming a pianist.

It’s a great story that you can watch, here. (It’s in Japanese, so you may need to click the CC button at the lower-right to turn on subtitles.)

Hearing from so many of you over the years has brought no end to the gratification this project has given me. Thank you for going on this journey with me and thank you for using Synthesia!

- Nicholas

Feb 15 2021

Synthesia 10.7

Simple MIDI Recording, down-stems, and new languages:

• Added a simple multi-track recorder to the Free Play screen (when unlocked).
• Improved sheet music: note stems are now able to point down.
• Added three new display languages: Catalan, Turkish, and Japanese.
• Many other fixes and improvements.

Sep 29 2019

Synthesia 10.6

Full-screen Sheet Music:

• Use the new gear menu to show full-screen sheet music.
• Navigate through the song by clicking the sheet music.
• Bookmarks and loops are now shown in sheet music.
• Set the number of errors before your loop restarts automatically.
• Many other bug fixes and improvements.

Jan 29 2019

Synthesia 10.5.1

New settings and lots of fixes:

• Added Thai language support.
• Added 9 new settings to customize under Gameplay and Advanced.
• The built-in synth (on PC and Android) now has nicer reverb.
• Fixed high CPU usage on macOS Mojave.
• iPad Pro 11" screen size support.
• About a dozen other bug fixes and small improvements.

Nov 21 2018

Synthesia 10.5

Better sounds, iOS Files support, Android M MIDI, Chromebooks, and more!

• Added a faster synth with better sounds for Windows and Android.
• You can now manage your songs on the iPad with the Files app.
• MIDI devices should now appear on compatible Chromebook models.
• Improved Android MIDI compatibility.
• Improved Windows 10 MIDI compatibility.
• Many more features, bug fixes, and performance improvements.

Nov 17 2017

Synthesia 10.4

Sharp notation, Windows 10 MIDI, “Simple” labels, AVI export, and more!

• Sheet music now always appears sharp, regardless of size.
• Windows 10 MIDI support: lower latency synth and Bluetooth MIDI!
• Support for “The ONE Smart Keyboard” key lights on iPad and Android.
• New “Simple” labels mode that shows C, D, E, etc. on white keys only.
• Windows version of the Video Creator now lets you export AVI files.
• And 20+ more features and bug fixes.

Sep 13 2016

Synthesia 10.3

More songs, more languages, more modernization, and lots of fixes!

• Added 5 songs from the Undertale and Five Nights at Freddy’s games.
• Added Slovenian and Polish language support.
• Retina support for Mac, now making Synthesia HiDPI-aware everywhere.
• Try the first 20 seconds of any song without unlocking Synthesia.
• Plus 16 more features and 15 bug fixes.

Aug 23 2015

Synthesia 10.2

Synthesia 10.2 adds new conveniences and smooths a few rough edges!

• Unlock Synthesia for Android using your key from the desktop version!
• Discover our how-to guides using Synthesia’s new help buttons.
• Try out even more songs in trial mode.
• Read the larger key and note labels more easily.
• Toggle loops on/off with the “/” key.
• Set your zoom level to "Custom", then match the screen to your keyboard.
• Install more easily on Windows in a single click.
• Enjoy 48 more improvements and fixes!

Jan 6 2015

Synthesia 10.1

Added Dutch language support and fixed 17 bugs!

Dec 19 2014

Synthesia for Android

If you’ve got an Android device that runs Android 4.1 or later, download Synthesia now:

Keyboards can be connected using USB On-The-Go cables.

Synthesia 10 adds dozens of major features!

• Easy hand splitting for songs that were arranged as a single piano part.
• A new Free Play area to experiment with notes, instruments, and chords.
• See the next loop before it starts! No more sudden jumps.
• Recently played song list on the title screen for quick navigation.
• Italian language support.
• Much, much more…

Synthesia 9 lets more people play than ever!

• Multiple languages! Choose between English, Spanish, French, German, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, and Traditional Chinese.
• Change Synthesia’s window size anytime you like.
• Press Alt-Enter to toggle full-screen mode on any monitor.
• Support for the new Synthesia Music Store.

Synthesia 8.6 gets things ready for the upcoming song store.

• Lots of new metadata support for the upcoming song store.
• Add your own background image using the configuration tool.
• Click the score box to hide it.
• The “Scale Number” label mode is back.
• Over a dozen more bug fixes and improvements.

Synthesia 8.5 is a small release containing 21 bug fixes and an easier way to enter unlock keys.

There are too many improvements to list! Every single screen has been overhauled with new or improved features everywhere.

Synthesia for iPad

It’s a natural fit. Put your iPad right on your keyboard’s music stand.

Synthesia for iPad makes no compromises: every feature you love on the desktop has made the transition smoothly. Connect your keyboard or play using the touchscreen.

Improved On-Screen Keyboard

The menus aren’t the only thing that have been improved. The keyboard and falling notes have never looked this good before.

The new graphics have been accurately modeled from a real piano. Pan left or right by dragging in the falling note area. Zoom in or out smoothly by pinching on the iPad or using the zoom menu on the desktop.

Color Themes

Not ready for so much change? Head over to the Color Themes section under Settings and switch over to the “Synthesia Classic” theme.

You can make your own themes, too. Check out the new modding forum for details. Then share your color theme with others.

So Much More…

Multiple input/output device support, smooth-scrolling song library, user profile statistics, song library auto-grouping by folder, lots of new options, helpful prompts throughout all the menus, redesigned advanced song settings, and the list keeps going!

May 16 2012

Tips for Synthesia Songwriters

Do you create your own songs to share with others using Synthesia?

Check out this guide that shows a few easy steps to get the most out of Synthesia’s features with your own songs:

Creating Great Content for Synthesia

In just a few minutes you’ll be able to add extended metadata, include finger hints, enable the simple song view, create links on your site that will open Synthesia in a single click, and more!

Apr 5 2012

Synthesia 0.8.3

The new song progress tracking feature is Synthesia’s best feature ever. Grab Synthesia 0.8.3 now to get it along with a dozen or so new features.

Stay Motivated, Track Your Progress

Let Synthesia guide you through the process of learning every song. The new song progress metric lets you to set personal goals and watch them become realized.

Whenever you play a song, you have a chance at proving how far you’ve progressed in that song.

This is my new personal favorite feature.

It’s Just You and the Music

Synthesia 0.8.3 brings a new, cleaner play screen. All of the clutter has been tucked into a menu at the top of the screen.

With fewer distractions and a display much friendlier to lower-resolution screens, it’s just you and your music.

Launch Synthesia From Your Browser

After you run Synthesia 0.8.3 for the first time, you are ready to launch songs in a single click. Try it out: Bach Chorale.

Want to create your own Synthesia links for your website or YouTube videos? Use the Synthesia Song Link Generator tool.

New Scale and Arpeggio Exercises

Try out the new exercises by Ash from the forums. Each exercise is split into separate hands and includes finger hints. You’ll find them in the song library under "Ash’s Exercises".

Nov 7 2011

Synthesia 0.8.2

With keyboard navigation, huge improvements to the sheet display, and dozens of quality of life improvements, Synthesia 0.8.2 is the biggest release ever.

Control Everything with Your Keyboard

Customize all song controls. Fast-forward and rewind with your pitch bend wheel. Pause the song with your lowest note. Change the speed with your modulation wheel.

The sky is the limit.

Dramatically Improved Sheet Music

Follow along smoother than ever with new note and measure highlighting. Never lose your place with an easier to follow page-turn effect.

Synthesia’s sheet music now supports key signatures, time signatures, staccato notes, crowded notes, better clef detection, smarter spacing, crisper staff and bar lines, and still more.

And More…

• Keyboard settings are remembered much smarter between sessions.
• Windowed mode on the Mac along with a better Mac install experience.
• Automatically pause when a keyboard connection is lost.
• Dozens of other tweaks and fixes.

Jun 6 2011

Synthesia 0.8.1

What’s new in 0.8.1:

• Add finger number hints to your songs in a single click. (video)
• Finger hints included for all 100+ built-in songs.
• Simplified track settings let you jump in fast.
• Improved library searching to find your favorite songs quicker.
• Many improvements in MIDI, device, and computer compatibility.
• Tons of tweaks and fixes.

Dec 16 2010

Synthesia on Strictly Come Dancing

Strictly Come Dancing is the original UK version of Dancing with the Stars. Each year the show puts the trainers through a crazy challenge. This season, Synthesia’s falling note display was combined with a giant floor piano in the "ITT Grand Piano Challenge".

They kind of threw them to the wolves by only giving the trainers one attempt and not letting them practice ahead of time.

Check out the final two performances and award ceremony from the show.

Nov 13 2010

Synthesia 0.8.0

What’s new in 0.8.0:

• Named profiles. See your name next to your scores after playing locally or online. Compete against friends.
• Many settings can now be changed during gameplay.
• The beginnings of a new look…
• A handful of fixes and other tweaks.

Oct 8 2010

Synthesia 0.7.5

What’s new in 0.7.5:

• Competition-ready songs and scoring.
• Revamped track settings saves time with copy and paste settings.
• Better song library performance, especially with big collections.
• Several tweaks and improvements to all play modes.

Sep 1 2010

Synthesia 0.7.4

This month we have a few things I’ve wanted to include forever now.

What’s new in 0.7.4:

• Lighted keyboard support: the next note will light up while stopped in practice mode. Turn it on via the Keyboard Setup screen.
• Improved note labels: new mode, more accurate, and easier to read.
• New configuration tool with windowed mode and resolution picker.
• Improved looping: easier to use, easier to find, better feedback.
• A number of stability and other bug fixes.

Aug 1 2010

Synthesia 0.7.3

The long-awaited metronome is available at last. Lots of other great engine work made it in to prepare for the upcoming online scoreboard.

What’s new in 0.7.3:

• Metronome. Control the speed, volume, and style. Works with simple, compound, and even changing time signatures.
• Have fun with instruments. Click a track’s instrument icon to change.
• Find songs faster. Search with the new song library filter box.
• Create quick loops between bookmarks using the < and > keys.
• Speed improvements. Gameplay now runs smoother than ever.

Jun 30 2010

Synthesia 0.7.2

Synthesia is moving full-speed ahead now. This is the first of six monthly releases that will run until the end of the year.

Check out what’s new below, download the new version, and enjoy!

What’s new in 0.7.2:

• Song looping: Create loops with one click to keep practicing those tough parts. Statistics are shown in real time detailing how you are improving.
• Synthesia is now aware of smaller keyboards. Set your size on the keyboard screen and Synthesia will play notes outside your reach or move them closer so you can play them yourself.
• Scoring revamp: hold notes for their full duration for maximum points!
• Lots of other improvements and fixes.

May 30 2010

Synthesia 0.7.1

It’s ready. This is an exciting time for the project. The 0.7.1 release is a great stepping-stone to the newly accelerated development schedule I’ve just started. Expect to see releases with more, released more often from here on out for the next six months!

In the meantime, check out what’s new below, download the new version from the box on the left, and enjoy!

What’s new in 0.7.1:

• Song Bookmarks: place markers that let you jump right to those tough sections.
• New play screen navigation: click the timeline to jump, the buttons to navigate, or the mouse-wheel while paused to scroll the song.
• Your keyboard’s sustain pedal will now hold the duration of notes.
• Sheet music improvement: notes are much smarter about which staff to appear on.
• Improved song library searching: type a song name to jump right there.
• Better error reporting: crash report files help me jump right to the problem.
• Tons of other improvements and bug fixes.

Sep 19 2009

Synthesia 0.7.0

I am proud to present the 0.7.0 release of Synthesia. Check out the feature list, download the new version from the box on the left, and enjoy!

What’s new in 0.7.0:

• New Song Library with audio previews and sorting by difficulty and rating.
• More than 20 new songs and over 100 songs updated to split the left/right hand parts. (Thanks Choul, Rickeeey, and TieDyeGuy from the forums!)
• Scoring for practice mode: now you can follow your progress.
• Sheet music display improvements including rests and a fixed-width option.
• An option to require all notes in a chord be pressed at the same time in practice mode.
• Keyboard setup screen to help diagnose connection problems.
• Lots of menus re-worked to make navigation easier and more intuitive.
• New “View in Synthesia” right-click shortcut: a quick MIDI viewer.
• Tons of other improvements, fixes, and optimizations!

Sep 19 2008

Synthesia 0.6.5

It’s that time again. Here is the new 0.6.5 release of the game. There is lots of new stuff to check out, so download the new version from the box on the left and enjoy!

What’s new in 0.6.5:

• Note and key labels (C, C#, D or Do, Re, Mi).
• Resizeable sheet music display.
• 120+ new songs included from G Major Music Theory.
• Faster startup and gameplay.
• The usual assortment of bug fixes and improvements.

Jun 5 2008

Synthesia 0.6.4

I am very pleased to present both the new 0.6.4 release of Synthesia. Download the game from the box on the left and enjoy!

What’s new in 0.6.4:

• Practice mode that waits for the correct notes.
• Sheet music display with two display styles.
• Measure lines in the falling notes.
• Play-settings screen that gives more control over gameplay.
• Several new options to tweak the display and a handful of bug fixes.

Jan 1 2008

Synthesia 0.6.3

What’s new in 0.6.3:

• Zoom to song or ‘You Play’ extents so notes are easier to follow.
• Option screen that allows some tweaking, most-important: play all user input.
• Lots of bug fixes, new DirectX back-end to correct some issues.
• A few visual updates.

This one is smaller than expected because the holidays were busier than I had hoped.

Aug 29 2007

Synthesia 0.6.2

New in version 0.6.2 (August 29, 2007)

• Rewind / fast-forward during songs.
• Top scores list for each song you play.
• Song and track settings are saved between plays.
• New note spark effect.
• A software keyboard so everyone can try it out.
• Auto-splitting single-track MIDI songs to have one track per instrument.

Highlights coming up in version 0.6.3 (December 31, 2007)

• Sheet music display!
• Zoom to your keyboard or song extents.
• Tons of new built-in music and warm-up exercises.
• Lots of display and game customization via new options screen.
• Many new visual effects!

May 28 2007

Synthesia 0.6.1

Synthesia 0.6.1 is now available! Report any problems in the forum. Major changes:

• External devices can now be selected for output in the Mac version.
• The Mac version behaves much nicer now (after about a dozen bug fixes).
• A couple Windows bugs were fixed.

Apr 30 2007

Synthesia 0.6.0

It’s here! Download either the Windows or the new Mac version of Synthesia 0.6.0 to get improved graphics and performance.

Apr 25 2007

Activision Cease and Desist

I have received a cease and desist letter from Activision for the use of the name "Piano Hero". See the cease and desist page for details.

Quick summary: Choose a new name for the project and update the website/game. The 0.6.0 release (introducing Mac support) has been pushed back a week to April-30 to compensate.

Name Suggestions: 430 names (68 duplicates) with 6 images. Check out the complete list.

Winning Name: "Synthesia", suggested by Daniel Lawrence from England. It’s an incredible name, thanks again Daniel!

(Check out Destructoid’s article about this whole situation. It’s funny.)

Feb 20 2007

Synthesia 0.5.1

MIDI input now plays back in the correct instrument, feedback and stats have been improved, there are now tooltips on each menu control, lots of bug fixes, a new installer, and a set of 10 fantastic songs from Game Music Themes! What are you waiting for?

Feb 14 2007

Want a Mac version of Synthesia?

Alright. You guys are awesome.

The response from just a couple of articles has been absolutely unbelievable and in a single day you donated more than enough for a Mac mini. So much, in fact, that I can get an iMac instead. You guys are really incredible, thank you! You will get your Mac version as promised!

Jan 26 2007

Synthesia 0.5.0

Synthesia 0.5.0 Released! MIDI input is now supported. Try to get the highest score and earn the best grade. Download Now!

Dec 9 2006

Synthesia 0.4.0

Want to learn how to play the piano? Synthesia is a fun way to play any kind of music including your favorite video game music, classical music, and holiday music. Check out the feature list, screenshots, and then download it.

Features

• Supports any MIDI file.
• Practice left or right hand parts separately.
• Slow songs down while learning new parts.

Work In Progress

• Real piano is required - no “software” keyboard is provided.
• MIDI input not supported yet - just play along for now.
• Without MIDI input, grading or scoring isn’t possible.