This week Popular Science announced its annual list of what’s best in the world of science, and over the next few days I’m going to share some of the products and services that earned recognition in the computing category.

First up, midomi.com, from Melodis Corp., a Silicon Valley company focused on sound recognition and search technologies.

midomi is a web-based service that mixes online karaoke with social networking and what is purported to be a remarkable search capability.

Ever tried to remember that song playing through your head and couldn’t quite place the performer? Here’s how midomi can help out. Using a microphone plugged into or built into your computer, you simply record a few bars of the song — whether by singing, humming or whistling. Then you push a button to submit it. The site instantly compares that recording to other tunes already in the database to help identify what the song is titled, who the performers are, and what other fan recordings it has of that same tune in its collection.

Registered members can create profiles, share recordings with friends, rate each other’s performances, send messages and buy original music. Fans with high scores can become a midomi “star” and have their vocal act featured on the site.

The site’s goal is to build “the most comprehensive database of searchable music.” But I have to tell you, it’ll never get my vocal offerings. Why not? The system didn’t recognize a single one of my test submissions. Now, as a writer, I believe I’ve developed a fairly thick skin through the years. But I have to take exception with any Web 2.0 offering that can’t appreciate my personal rendition of Thing Called Love. I was reduced to using the site’s text search function to track down other Bonnie Raitt fans. What’s with that?! (Check out PSnavely’s rendition of another Raitt tune. Now that’s something to talk about…)

Posted on November 15th, 2007 by dian