Google’s new JAM with Chrome application is a Chrome plugin that lets you jam with 3 of your most musically-inclined friends in real time. Or, because it’ll be funnier, 3 of your least musically-inclined friends. You can choose from one of 19 instruments, from the drums to keyboard to acoustic guitars, and you can swap instruments mid-JAM.
The app runs on the latest version of Google’s Chrome browser and is written in HTML5 (so even if it weren’t Chrome exclusive, those of you with Internet Explorer still couldn’t use it). “If you ever dreamed of playing in a band, now’s your chance to be a rock star,” said Google. “No matter what your level of talent—from daydreaming air guitarist to music pro—you can JAM together in real time over the web.”
The app has “easy-mode”, allowing everyone to join in. The easy-mode works in a “click to play” way, with autoplay capabilities. But it also has “pro-mode”, which allows users to fully take control of their weapon – sorry… instrument – of choice using the keyboard.
It’s hard to say if this will have a lasting impression on users, or it will be a fad that will die out relatively quickly. However, it may encourage people to download Chrome (bonus mode) instead of their outdated browsers. And if all else fails, the announcement video is, at the very least, the best thing ever.
Rock on, Skrillex Llama.
