ITunes 4 already had the ability to import audio from a CD, convert audio to compressed, compact AAC or MP3 audio, burn music to CDs, and load files onto the iPod, but the best new feature in iTunes 4.5 is probably the new Apple Lossless encoder. Arguably designed with the iTunes Music Store in mind, the Apple Lossless Codec is a compromise between the small but lossy encoding of AAC or MP3 and the large file sizes of pristine AIFF audio. Apple Lossless provides full uncompressed CD quality audio in about half the space of the original file, answering the call by discriminating musical ears for a format that offered both compression and high-quality audio. Let's see the Apple Lossless encoder at work on a CD track.

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!).