# Sonic Digital Handpens The Oval is a Light, Portable and High-Tech Musical Instrument By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2015-06-06 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/handpen References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/oval-digital-handpan/37899/) & [ovalsound](http://ovalsound.com/) The Oval is a digital handpen that is described as representing the next generation of [electronic musical instruments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electronic-musical-instrument). It is also an open-source hardware controller that can be used to help users learn, play and perform music. When hooked up to a [smartphone, tablet or computer](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/artinoise-zefiro), the Oval, which by the way happens to be MIDI-compliant and USB-compatible, works with an iOS music learning and creation app. It can also be used with any MIDI compatible software over USB. The Oval team already has a prototype that seems to work great, so it's only a matter of time -- and a [Kickstarter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/matrix-midi-controller) campaign -- before it comes to market. When it does, it looks like this product has the makings of being a revolutionary musical instrument made for the high-tech age. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.9/10 - Popularity: 59% | Activity: 50% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Digital Musical Instruments:** The Oval represents a new generation of electronic musical instruments. - **Open-source Hardware:** The Oval is an open-source hardware controller that can be used to help users learn, play, and perform music. - **MIDI Compatibility:** The Oval is MIDI-compliant and USB-compatible and can be used with any MIDI-compatible software over USB. ### Where This Applies - **Music Technology:** The Oval is a high-tech musical instrument that could disrupt the music technology industry. - **Education Technology:** The Oval's use as a tool for music learning creates disruptive innovation opportunities in the education technology industry. - **Consumer Electronics:** The Oval's digital and portable design could disrupt the consumer electronics industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Hand-Sensing Musical Instruments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roli-airwave.md) - [Affordable Music-Making Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/easyplay-1s.md) - [Digital Motion-Sensing Pianos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roli-piano.md) - [Multifunctional Music Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chorda.md) - [Hybrid Music Instruments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/phase8.md) - [Tactile Interactive Music Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yamaha.md) - [Hexagonal Music Composition Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/music-composition-keyboard.md) - [Ultra-Modern MIDI Instruments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/midi-device.md) - [Electronic String Instruments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/harmoni.md)