Popular DJ app djay (which I covered numerous times on MacStories in the past) has announced today an Apple Watch counterpart that will bring a slimmed down interface with controls and music selection to the wrist.
On Apple Watch, djay will allow users to import tracks stored in the iPhone’s Music app, automix songs from a connected Spotify account, and even apply effects and loops with a simplified UI and a subset of the controls available in the iPhone app.
From the press release:
“We extracted the essence of DJing and put it onto Apple Watch”, said Karim Morsy, CEO of Algoriddim. “We believe this will transform the workflow of the DJ. I’m confident to say that you can now perform a full DJ set right from your wrist and we can’t wait to see what our users come up with.”
While I’ve been skeptical of Watch apps that try to cram iPhone experiences in a smaller screen, there’s something that intrigues me about djay on the Watch.
I got a demo of djay for Apple Watch earlier this week, and Algoriddim CEO Karim Morsy told me how they envisioned the Watch app for djay users who want to quickly practice mixes from the comfort of their couch or while doing chores around the house. What immediately caught my attention, though, is how djay on the Watch could free DJs from their booth (and iPhones connected to audio equipment) and give them the opportunity to dance, mingle with the crowd, and have their hands free during a performance. I don’t know how djay will work in practice and if WatchKit will be reliable enough to sustain this kind of scenario, but I think there’s potential.
Also today, Algoriddim updated djay for Mac with video mixing, which brings real-time effects timed with music to djay on the desktop. You can take a look at the feature in action in a video below.
I’m no DJ, but, as usual when I cover Algoriddim’s apps, I look forward to trying them and pretending I know how to properly mix tracks. To celebrate the launch of the new features and Apple Watch app, djay for iPhone and iPad will be free for a week.
