The Lone Roger announces that MultiVST Shell is updated to version 3.2. This release supports ReWire - it can be used to host VSTi's and play them into Pro Tools, for example, and its built-in arpeggiator can be synced to an external sequencer. It also sports an improved VST fx matrix. VST shell is a shell for VST instruments, to enable you to use them outside of your usual VST host. Multi VST Shell is a multitimbral version, enabling 4 VSTi's to be played at once.

Apple announced enhancements to its mac Mini line, with 512MB of memory standard in every model and prices starting at just $499. The Mac mini also features built-in wireless networking with AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth starting at just $599, and the ability to burn DVDs with a SuperDrive for $699. Three new models are :

The 1.25 GHz Mac mini, for a suggested retail price of $499 (US),
includes: 1.25 GHz PowerPC G4 processor; 512MB of 333 MHz DDR SDRAM, expandable to 1GB; 40GB Ultra ATA hard drive; Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) optical drive; ATI Radeon 9200 graphics processor with 32MB video memory; one FireWire 400 and two USB 2.0 ports; 10/100 BASE-T Ethernet networking and 56K V.92 modem internal support for AirPort Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth; DVI or VGA out .

The 1.42 GHz Mac mini, for a suggested retail price of $599 (US), includes: 1.42 GHz PowerPC G4 processor; 512MB of 333 MHz DDR SDRAM, expandable to 1GB; 80GB Ultra ATA hard drive; Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) optical drive; ATI Radeon 9200 graphics processor with 32MB video memory; one FireWire 400 and two USB 2.0 ports; 10/100 BASE-T Ethernet networking; built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth; DVI or VGA out (adapter included), composite/S-video out with optional adapter; and built-in speaker and headphone/line out.

The 1.42 GHz Mac mini, for a suggested retail price of $699 (US), includes: 1.42 GHz PowerPC G4 processor; 512MB of 333 MHz DDR SDRAM, expandable to 1GB; 80GB Ultra ATA hard drive; SuperDrive (DVD+/-RW/CD-RW) optical drive; ATI Radeon 9200 graphics processor with 32MB video memory; one FireWire 400 and two USB 2.0 ports;10/100 BASE-T Ethernet networking; built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth; DVI or VGA out (adapter included), composite/S-video out with optional adapter; and built-in speaker and headphone/line out.

Apple today enhanced its iBook G4 line with faster Power PC G4 processors running up to 1.42 GHz, 512MB memory across the line, higher performance graphics and built-in AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth wireless connectivity. New models are :

The 1.33 GHz PowerPC G4 iBook, weighing just 4.9 pounds, has a suggested retail price of $999 (US) and includes:

- a crisp 12.1-inch (diagonal) active-matrix TFT display;
- 512MB DDR SDRAM expandable to up to 1.5GB maximum memory;
- a 40GB Ultra ATA hard drive;
- AirPort Extreme 54 Mbps 802.11g WiFi wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR;
- two USB 2.0 ports, FireWire 400;
- VGA video out, S-video and composite video out support;
- 56K v.92 modem, Ethernet (10/100 BASE-T); and
- a slot-load Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) drive.

The 1.42 GHz PowerPC G4 iBook, weighing just 5.9 pounds, has a suggested retail price of $1,299 (US) and includes:

- a brilliant 14.1-inch (diagonal) active-matrix TFT display;
- 512MB DDR SDRAM expandable to up to 1.5GB maximum memory;
- a 60GB Ultra ATA hard drive;
- AirPort Extreme 54 Mbps 802.11g WiFi wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR;
- two USB 2.0 ports, FireWire 400;
- VGA video out, S-video and composite video out support;
- 56K v.92 modem, Ethernet (10/100 BASE-T); and
- a slot-load SuperDrive (DVD+/-R/CD-RW) drive.

Rogue Amoeba has updated its famous audio streaming software Nicecast to version 1.8. Nicecast 1.8 brings with it support for UPnP (Universal Plug-And-Play) and NAT-PMP (Network Address Translation Port Mapping Protocol) routers, which will automatically be configured as needed. Most new LinkSys, Netgear and Apple routers support one of these protocols, so users can get down to the business of broadcasting without worrying about their network setup. The new version also brings broadcasters enhanced security and control, with the ability to kick listeners and password protect that stream.

Nicecast 1.8 is a free update for all previously registered users. New users are encouraged to test Nicecast out and then purchase it, for $40.

Apple has posted an update to version 2.0.2 for Garageband. This release improves Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger compatibility, and addresses issues with time signature handling, Apple Loops authoring, and locking tracks. This update is available via "Software update" control panel or on the Apple support page...

...and of course in the MacMusic software section !