Chinese startup PopuMusic launched a new portable digital piano called PopuPiano earlier this month. It’s the company’s latest smart instrument after releasing a smart guitar called Poputar and a smart ukulele called Populele.  

The company aims to attract new music learners seeking a fun, flexible way to learn piano and professional composers looking for a portable piano. 

Details: PopuPiano is said to be as capable as a full-size digital piano, featuring 29 keys and a removable chord pad. The early pre-order option is priced at $199.

  • The device also comes with a standard musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) keyboard used in note composing and can be used with professional software like Logic Pro X and Cubase.
  • The keys are designed to light up in bright colors as a finger guide while playing, helping new players to follow along with a song quickly.
  • PopuPiano’s multifunctional chord pad allows players to control drumbeats and trigger chords with one key.
  • PopuPiano’s battery life lasts between 10 and 12 hours. The device supports Bluetooth. 
  • The PopuPiano can be linked to the PopuMusic app, which offers free tutorials to learners at all levels.

Context: Founded in 2015, PopuMusic is headquartered in Beijing and is backed by well-known investors, including ZhenFund and Shunwei. 

  • PopuMusic has over 200,000 users globally and has reached 10,000 monthly shipment units as of August 2021, according to the company.

Ward Zhou is a tech reporter based in Shanghai. He covers stories about industry of digital content, hardware, and anything geek. Reach him via ward.zhou[a]technode.com or Twitter @zhounanyu.