# ShadowPlayKA

> Generates music from ambient light and shadow patterns during bicycle rides. (iPhone/iPad app by Daniel Wilcox.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadowplayka/id1585959421 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Daniel Wilcox](https://appshunter.io/developer/970528307)
- Category: Music
- Price: Free
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 13.0 · 6 MB
- Languages: American English, German (Germany)
- Released: 2021-09-16
- Data updated: 2026-06-01
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadowplayka/id1585959421/reviews.md

## What is ShadowPlayKA?

ShadowPlay is an exploration of the architecture and light in outdoor spaces through sound. Using a bicycle-mounted smartphone as a brightness sensor and a bluetooth speaker, the mottled patterns of light and shadow become the musical score as one rides along city streets.

Supported through the UNESCO City of Media Arts Karlsruhe as well as through the City of Karlsruhe.

Scene contributions by Sofy Yuditskaya and Damian Stewart.

## Key features

- Light and shadow as musical score
- Bicycle-mounted smartphone sensor
- Bluetooth speaker integration
- Exploration of urban architecture
- Unique soundscape generation


## Frequently asked questions about ShadowPlayKA

### What is ShadowPlayKA?

ShadowPlayKA is an application that uses your smartphone's brightness sensor to translate ambient light and shadow patterns into a musical score as you ride a bicycle.

### How does ShadowPlayKA create music?

It utilizes the phone's camera or light sensor to detect variations in light intensity. These variations are then interpreted as musical notes or parameters, played through a connected Bluetooth speaker.

### Is ShadowPlayKA free to use?

Yes, ShadowPlayKA is available for free, with no in-app purchases or advertisements.

### What devices does ShadowPlayKA support?

ShadowPlayKA is supported on iPhone and iPod devices.

### How often is ShadowPlayKA updated?

The app was last updated on October 21, 2025, indicating active development and potential for future improvements.

### What is the age rating for ShadowPlayKA?

ShadowPlayKA has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users.

### Does ShadowPlayKA have ads?

No, ShadowPlayKA does not contain advertisements, providing an uninterrupted user experience.

### What is the user sentiment for ShadowPlayKA?

Based on available data, ShadowPlayKA has a perfect 5.0-star rating from one review, suggesting a highly positive initial reception.

## Version history (last 3 releases)

### 1.2.0 — 2025-10-21

* updated to libpd 0.15.0 (pd 0.55-2)

* fixed warning by starting capture session on background thread
* fixed warning by adding explicit system blue accent color
* fixed deprecated camera icon name

* prefer https links

### 1.1.0 — 2021-10-16

* added optional video recording (no audio)
* added camera position to user defaults
* added settings button to delete current recording files
* added missing scene info view label text localizations

* fixed missing Files app support
* fixed calibrate scene not always playing
* fixed play button enabled on load when no qlist has been recorded

* save qlist on record end instead of using separate save button
* disallow settings view cell selection

### 1.0.0 — 2021-09-16

No release notes.

## Apps similar to ShadowPlayKA

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Compositor NTP](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compositor-ntp/id6450834018) | — | $2.99 | Music |
| [KORG iELECTRIBE for iPhone](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/korg-ielectribe-for-iphone/id1006939067) | 3.8 (16) | $19.99 | Music |
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| [Duality Shift - Cadence Flux](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/duality-shift-cadence-flux/id1480949911) | — | Free | Music |
| [Metronome by Allinson](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/metronome-by-allinson/id370808511) | — | Free | Music |

## More apps by Daniel Wilcox

- [PdParty](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdparty/id970528308)
- [SpeedPitch](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/speedpitch/id1577262763)

All apps by Daniel Wilcox: https://appshunter.io/developer/970528307

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-01.*