Extreme Tech has an extensive article on a prototype technology called RangeScan from circuitry manufacturer Infinite Range, which could be implemented in numerous consumer devices once licensed. XtremeMac, the author writes, is already planning on releasing an iPod enhancement that will stream the iPod's audio (or anything else with a minijack out) to portable speakers, headphones, a home stereo, or car speakers. The best news: it works. It's not hard to imagine even pro laptop musicians finding a way to employ this in performance -- which could justify the anticipated $180 cost for use with our iPods.

"Apple has identified an issue with external FireWire hard drives using the Oxford 922 bridge chip-set with firmware version 1.02 that can result in the loss of data stored on the disk drive," the company tells MacCentral. FireWire 800 drives affected by the problem appear as unrecognized volumes, and, in a nasty twist, cease to work with other versions of OS X, as well, following the issue. Apple is suggesting not using the drives, and ejecting them immediately if users encounter the problem.

Native Instruments has put together another comprehensive software solution. Nine software synthesizers, samplers and effects are united in this "komplete" bundle. This package includes the full versions of REAKTOR SESSION, KONTAKT, BATTERY, ABSYNTH 2, VOKATOR, NI-SPEKTRAL DELAY, FM7, and B4.

Working on Mac OS 9.2 or 10.2.6, G4 733 MHz, 256 MB RAM, "Komplete" is available on Native Web Shop or dealers for a suggested retail price of US$1499.

This release includes the excellent Crossfade Loop Synth AU from Expert Sleepers. Two more excellent AU plugins, a Ping Pong Delay, and a Phaser, can be downloaded directly from the expert sleepers website. And, of course, version 1.2.3 includes the usual sorts of minor fixes and updates, see the readme file for details

3.2.3 drivers for Panther (OS 10.3) compatibility are now available for Tascam's US-series of audio/MIDI interfaces (US-122, US-224 and US-428). According to a text note posted on each of the downloads pages, there is apparently a problem with Digital Performer where the MIDI outputs don't work correctly under Panther. This problem is DP-specific and was not found with Cubase SX or Logic...

The drivers can be found by following the link below, visiting the homepage of the specific interface and then going to the "Downloads & Documentation" page.