synthesia is a piano keyboard trainer for microsoft windows, mac os x and android which allows users to play a midi keyboard or use a computer keyboard in time to a midi file by following on-screen directions, much in the style of "keyboard mania" or "guitar hero". additionally, synthesia can be paired with midi keyboards that have illuminated keys, or with virtual player piano on screen, which some people believe makes learning piano easier for beginners. it was originally named piano hero, due to the similarity of gameplay with "guitar hero"; this was until activision (the owners of the rights to "guitar hero") sent a cease and desist to the program's creator, nicholas piegdon.