Vocaloid is a vocal-synthesizing software that enables song writers to generate authentic-sounding singing on their PCs by simply typing in the lyrics and music notes of their compositions. The software synthesizes the sound from 'vocal libraries' of recordings of actual singers, retaining the vocal qualities of the original singing voices to reproduce realistic vocals. The software also features simple commands that enable users to add expressive effects - such as vibrato and pitch bends - to their synthesized vocals. Additional releases to the range of vocal libraries currently available will broaden the range of voices and singing styles that can generated by VOCALOID. At the moment, VOCALOID can generate singing in Japanese and English. Other languages are also planned for the future.
Ananova -
A Chilean artist is making a name for herself with an exhibition in which stuffed animals are transformed into household objects.
Artworks on display include a chick turned into a lamp, and 'sheep bag' - a lamb carcass fitted with handles.
Artist Caterina Purdy says her exhibition at the Experimental Arts Centre in Santiago is intended to be humorous but also makes a serious point.
She told Las Ultimas Noticias online: 'It is possible to see my work as something scary, but I find it beautiful.
'There is also irony and humour in my objects as well as a criticism of the way animals are treated by society.'"
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