beamz’™ Technology Connects With Those Who Love Music, Inspiring Them to Create Their Own Original Performances
Proving once again that innovation is the foundation of its business, Sharper Image Corporation (Pink Sheets:SHRPQ) today announced the exclusive introduction of the beamz™, a sound and laser light musical instrument that plays original works in 19 genres including rock, jazz, blues, reggae, country and even hip-hop. Users can play the beamz™ by breaking any one of six laser beams. The player’s hands trigger the system to play streams of musical notes or sounds. For skilled musicians or those who’ve never picked up an instrument before, the beamz™ inspires players; enabling them to play original music.
A recent Gallup poll found that more than half of American households have at least one member who plays a musical instrument. Known for showcasing visionary products, Sharper Image has tapped into Americans’ love affair with music and their thirst for increasingly sophisticated and clever music-oriented products. “Everyone loves music and the beamz™ really captures its players’ musical imaginations,” says Robert Conway, CEO of The Sharper Image. “It’s a musical device that is right in line with the needs of today’s consumers, satisfying their desire for new and inventive technology, novel products, artistic expression and inspired ingenuity.”
Already being buzzed about by tech bloggers and writers, the beamz™ was invented by accomplished musician, songwriter and producer, Jerry Riopelle. Riopelle got the idea over 40 years ago when he and his friends visited their neighborhood ice-cream store and were greeted by a light-activated door announcer. The image, always in the back of his mind even during his successful and high-profile producing career, Riopelle created a prototype for the beamz™ in 2001 and eventually perfected the product with the help of software engineers. Seven years and five patents later, Riopelle has created a product that is easy and fun to use and sparks the imagination of musicians and people who always dreamed of being one.
“I think anyone who plays the beamz™ will have as much fun as I did inventing it,” says Riopelle. “It’s a great product for friends and families to use together at home, playing, laughing and creating original performances that reflect their own lives.” Riopelle says The Sharper Image is the perfect home for the beamz™, “I’m excited to have this product at The Sharper Image.
