One of the world's most popular music and mixing software is making a momentous jump from iOS, macOS, and Android to Windows 10. Made by Algoriddim djay Pro is now a Universal Windows Platform (UWP) app that can be downloaded through the Windows Store to millions of new users.
Even more exciting is that djay Pro takes full advantage of Surface Studio, Surface devices, and the Surface Dial to be used for the ultimate DJ music experience. Windows 10 users on any PC – even without a touchscreen – can also use the software as well.
The software was converted to UWP using the Project Islandwood bridge tools that enable developers to convert code from iOS to Windows 10. Working closely with Microsoft the Algoriddim engineers then added abilities for Surface Dial and touch. Perhaps even more exciting is that the Surface Dial and djay Pro for the first use zone-controls where the Surface Dial behaves differently depending on where it is placed on the Surface Studio's display.
djay Pro is a hallmark app for iOS for a decade winning numerous design awards and being featured on stage twice by Apple. Recently, the app was used to showcase the MacBook Pro's new Touch Bar.
The djay Pro software integrates Spotify directly into it allowing creators to stream music at 320kbps for instant mixes. Spotify integration provides curated playlists based on mood, genre, and popularity. By using Match artists can pair songs based on what is currently playing. Also, each djay Pro app gets a free 30-day trial of Spotify Premium, or users can just log in with their existing Spotify account.
The software supports "over 60 MIDI controllers out of the box by manufacturers such as Pioneer DJ, Numark, Reloop, and others" and even an "advanced MIDI Learn system" for a custom setup.
From the press release Adam Denning, Partner Group Program Manager at Microsoft commented about the launch:
"This app showcases the power available for developers to build beautiful and engaging apps with the Universal Windows Platform. For us on the Windows Bridge for iOS team, it has been amazing to work with the brilliant minds at Algoriddim. Just as Algoriddim will create a world where every person can be an artist and bring their digital media to life, the Windows 10 Creators Update will empower everyone to create and share their best work."
Seeing is believing
A few weeks ago, we were privileged to meet some of the crew behind djay Pro and to see a live demonstration of the software. The app is a gorgeous mix of sliders, dials, and faux records that can be spun. With Spotify, we were able to pick music types and then watch the software continue to pick similar music based on "danceability, BPM, key" and "music style."
Using the Surface Dial, the software can scratch like a record or control the deck slider to fade between the two spinning tracks. Placing the Surface Dial on the display changed the Dial's behavior, which is a first for the technology.
What was exciting was seeing how thrilled the Algoriddim devs were about the project. For them, Surface Studio is the ultimate culmination of what they have been working on for a decade. The Surface Studio with its giant 28-inch high-resolution touch display and the unique hinge allows djay Pro to truly be a virtual mixing station.
Not just for pros
For those who are not musically inclined or find the live mixing of music too complicated Algoriddim offers free tutorials and guides to get started. You could also just use djay Pro as one giant self-directed party station by setting the mixing to auto. Simply pick a few tunes and let the software do it for you.
Get it now
Algoriddim's djay Pro may be the first "killer app" for Surface Studio. It's also the first non-drawing app to really shine on the creator PC, and when you see the software in action on the machine, it just makes sense. The devs behind Algoriddim were set to release the software earlier but once seeing Surface Studio their eyes lit up.
Of course, any Windows 10 PC running the Creators Update can use the software too.
Regarding Windows 10 Mobile Algoriddim has not ruled it out either. Due to the immense complexity of the software, which relies heavily on precise audio timing and processing the initial focus was to get the software optimized for modern PCs.
Because the app is based on code from iOS, it also means the UWP version for Windows 10 will see seamless updates between both platforms. Algoriddim were ecstatic over the idea that they did not have to natively build the app saving time and costs for the company.
The app can be purchased for $49.95 from the Windows Store below. Users can learn more about djay Pro for Windows 10 on the Algoriddim website.
