The Zefiro is a clever little MIDI controller that plugs into the USB-C port of your smartphone essentially turning it into a playable musical instrument.

Developed by Italian startup ARTinoise, the Zefiro is one of the most ingenious gadgets we’ve seen in quite a while. The small, colorful mouthpiece may look like a vape, but it’s actually a lot more than that. It’s a MIDI controller that plugs into your smartphone’s charge port and relies on an app to turn the handheld into a variety of playable instruments, from the humble flute, to violins and even fantasy sounds. Equipped with lip sensors and an air pressure sensor, the Zefiro sends breath power data directly to the dedicated app, which is then used to adjust the volume, length, and harmonics of the sound. Keys or air holes are displayed on the screen of the smartphone, so you can effectively play the instrument with your fingers, as you low into the mouthpiece.

Marketed as a MIDI breath controller and a digital instrument rolled into one, the Zefiro debuted on the Kickstarter crowdfunding platform, blowing through its modest goal of just over $5,000. Over $83,000 had been pledged by 1,552 backers, by the time of this writing, making it a resounding success.

 

The Zefiro smart mouthpiece is expected to become available early next year, at a price of €22 for Kickstarter backers, while the rest of us can expect to pay around €42 for one. Considering that other MIDI controllers and digital instruments can cost up to $900, either price can be considered quite reasonable.