Hartmann has released Neuron VS as VSTi for MacOS X. It comes with the same sound engine as the hardware Neuron keyboard. and, together with Nuke, the hardware controller box, Hartmann claims to have put a resynthesis system in the hands of the musician, that offers exactly the same sonic features as the hardware Neuron synth.

The Neuron VS costs US$999 or 706 euros.

Apple launched its iTunes Music Store in Canada, giving music fans in Canada the same innovative features and breakthrough price of $.99 CDN. The iTunes Music Store in Canada features over 700,000 songs. With the same personal use rights as in the US and Europe, the iTunes Music Store in Canada gives users the ability to play songs on up to five personal computers, burn a single song onto CDs an unlimited number of times, burn the same playlist up to seven times and listen to their music on an unlimited number of iPods.

Moog Music has announced a contest to give away the last Anniversary Edition Minimoog Voyager produced in 2004, the year of inventor Bob Moog's 50th anniversary in music. One lucky Moog fan will be selected on January 23rd at the 2005 NAMM show in Anaheim CA. The winner will have the opportunity to pick up their new Voyager at Moog's booth, number 6016 on the show floor, or have it shipped.

AudioEase updated again the AudioUnit version of Altiverb to version 4.2. because AudioUnit version 4.1.9 failed Logic 7's AU Validation. This is now fixed and the latency compensation scheme has been slightly modified to allow better CPU performance.

M-Audio announced Ozonic, a new FireWire audio interface and keyboard MIDI controler. The Ozonic includes audio and MIDI interfaces with a full-featured MIDI controller which features a 37-note, velocity-sensitive, synth-action keyboard with three zones and assignable aftertouch. It also includes a 4 x 4 analog audio interface working up to 24-bit/96kHz fidelity and includes XLR mic input with phantom power, 1/4" instrument input and stereo 1/4" TRS line ins. The Ozonic also feature two pairs of 1/4" outputs.

The Ozonic will ship in December 2004 and will cost $599.95.