Apple has confirmed that some iPod users have encountered bugs after updating their software with the iPod Updater 2004-04-28. Apple's discussion forum has several cases in which iPods were no longer recognized by iTunes 4.5. Lossless audio also seems to function correctly only with third-generation iPods and iPod minis. iPod users would be well-advised to use caution with the update and stay posted.

Ed: iPod Owners, sound out here -- hit comment and let us know your experience. -PK

Native Instruments is providing a special offer for Native Instruments software users through May 31st 2004. If you have at least one application included in the Komplete pack, you can upgrade to the full NI KOMPLETE 2 package for 596,80 euros, tax included. You will have ten new products instead of nine and will save 50% on the NI KOMPLETE 2 standard price. This pack includes : Absynth 2, Reaktor 4, B4 Organ, FM7, PRO-53, Kontakt 1.5, Kompakt, Intakt, Battery, Vokator, and NI-Spektral Delay. More details on this offer on Native website.

Scott Shepard is back with yet more audio interviews from NAB: show 4 features Paul Foeckler and Wendy Abowd from Digidesign, Soundminer's Steve Pecile, SRS Labs' Alan Kraemer, and Mac developer BIAS' Zac Wheatcroft. I'll be listening on my iPod; download from the link below and listen on yours. We'll keep looking at these announcements in more detail through the week, particularly Digidesign's extensive new lineup (like that gorgeous ICON console we keep fawning over; picture at right!).

PowerFX, an online distributor of loops, sound effects and samples, released three additional collections of CD-ROMs in the Apple Loops Disc Jams series. These Apple Loops libraries are optimized for use with Apple's Soundtrack & Garage Band applications. The three new titles are available for $49 exclusively from the PowerFX website. These new products are:

• Rock and Pop Trio: A huge and well recorded collection of acoustic drums, electric bass, and guitar riffs, rhythms and leads in a straight up rock style.

• Street Stylin: An urban themed collection of loops in R&B/Hip Hop/Down Tempo flavors with synth basses, funky guitars, keys, FX and booming beats.

• Session Percussion: A broad and indispensable collection of clean and beautifully recorded percussion loops that can be used in almost any genre. It includes traditional percussion plus congas, bongos, shakers, timbales and bells.