Microsoft shoots itself in the foot – sings as it does it

What is it about Microsoft and and trying to make itself the laughing stock of the internet? First we had the debacle that was the Mojave Experiment and now we’ve been treated to Songsmith.

So what is this amazing Songsmith of which I speak so fondly ? According to the blurb on the official web site:

Songsmith generates musical accompaniment to match a singer’s voice. Just choose a musical style, sing into your PC’s microphone, and Songsmith will create backing music for you. Then share your songs with your friends and family, post your songs online, or create your own music videos.

This all sounds spiffy in theory, but in practice you end up with some very creative types taking your software and using it to destroy everyone’s favourite songs and posting them to YouTube. Want an example?

How about a spot of The Police ?

Now I like ‘Roxanne’ as much as the next mid twenties male, but my God what have they done !?

A swift search of YouTube for the string ‘Classic Hits by Microsoft Songsmith’ will treat you to a veritable gold mine of butchered classics from yesteryear. Is nothing sacred !

Do you have a fave video of Songsmith in action? Shoot me a link in the comments or over on Twitter, just incase I’ve missed a gem !

Thanks to Techchrunch for bringing the hilarity to my attention in the first place.