Rootsolutions has announced the release of SoundLib 3.0 which allows users to keep track of their sample and sound library. User defined keywords allow for quick searching and mass importing of entire folders or disks is supported, as well as a direct from disk preview of QuickTime compatible files.

SoundLib is available for both Mac OS X and Mac OS 9, and costs $15.

Last week, Griffin technology Inc. announced a guitar cable for Apple's GarageBand. This week, Griffin announces a new cable for the Apple's music software : the GarageBand Microphone Cable with an XLR connector at one end and stereo mini jack at the other.

This major technological innovation costs $24.99.

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.