Apple is recalling certain lithium ion rechargeable batteries that were sold worldwide from January 2004 through August 2004 for use with 15-inch PowerBook G4 (Aluminum) notebook computers. The affected batteries could overheat, posing a fire hazard. Apple received four reports of these batteries overheating. The recalled batteries have the Model Number: A1045 and serial numbers that begin with: HQ404, HQ405, HQ406, HQ407, or HQ408.

To begin the battery exchange process, please visit the Apple web site.

A feature that many of you have requested has just become reality. The brand new ABSYNTH User Library is now online and available to all registered ABSYNTH users. A powerful and versatile platform to exchange sound banks and inspiration for further sonic design. It comes equipped with all the features on offer in the other User Libraries: advanced search and filter options, categories, email notification, rating and rankings for the sound banks and much more make this an invaluable database for all ABSYNTH users - beginners and experts alike.

As an appetizer, the library already contains 13 preset banks hot off the press with a wealth of presets designed by none other than the ABSYNTH mastermind himself.

Native Instruments has annouced that the new Kontakt 1.5 demo version for Mac OS X is now online. The demo version contains several sample instruments (house organ, several basses, a drum kit, and some sample voice and speech examples) that illustrate the possibilities of the Native Instruments' sampler.

The demo version can be used in stand-alone mode or as a plug-in via VST, Audio Units and RTAS.

MakeMusic has announced the release of its much-anticipated Finale 2005 music notation software for Macintosh. Here's some of what's new in Finale 2005: Finale performance assessment, launch window, intelligent repeats, Row-Loff Marching Percussion Sounds, Third-Party Sound Font Support, grace note spacing improvements, transportable staff lists, new TG Tools Plug-ins, FinaleScript version 1.5, better View and navigation controls and more...

Info about Finale 2005 available on MakeMusic web site.

Granted Software announced today the immediate availability of Rax 1.1 for Mac OS X. Rax turns your Mac into a virtual rig for live performance, slaving instruments and effects from another app or offloading DSP to a second computer. With its streamlined UI, this is the easiest way to play AudioUnit instruments and process live audio through your AudioUnit effects. This new version features : MIDI Mixer control, 24 bit recording, native sample rate recording (no longer limited to 16 bits at 44.1kHz).

Rax 1.1 is a free update for registered users.