What we know
Engram is a new sampler and groovebox developed by the music startup Thoughtful Things. It uses artificial intelligence to manipulate incoming audio and generate what are described as "hallucinated" sounds—novel and unexpected audio outputs created by the AI. The product has recently launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund its development and release. These claims are drawn from a single source and have not been independently verified.
An excerpt from the source states: "Music startup Thoughtful Things has just launched the Kickstarter campaign for its first instrument, Engram. It's a sampler and groovebox that uses AI to mangle incoming audio and even hallucinate new sounds."
Why it matters
Engram represents an innovative application of AI technology in music production, combining sampling and groovebox functionality with AI-driven audio manipulation. This approach could open new creative possibilities for musicians by allowing the device to generate unexpected sounds that go beyond traditional sampling techniques. The concept of AI "hallucinations" refers to the generation of novel and sometimes unpredictable outputs by AI models, which Engram repurposes for musical creativity.
The Intel Brief is presenting this information as an explainer and is not endorsing or confirming the product's claims. Readers should be cautious and await independent verification before accepting the product’s capabilities as fact. The launch of Engram’s Kickstarter campaign marks the first public step for Thoughtful Things as a startup entering the music technology market.
What is still unknown
This information is based on a single source, and no independent verification has been conducted. The Intel Brief has not tested the Engram device, nor has it confirmed any technical details, timelines, or customer impacts related to the product. Additional information about the device’s performance, reliability, and user experience remains unknown.