That's a VERY good news : Apple announces that a firmware update for the PowerMac G5 single-processor 1.8GHz (revB) is finally available. This firmware update fixes issues of this computer when running Tiger : freeze when performing certain video-intensive tasks, optical drive may not eject, internet Connect may become unresponsive or displays may not wake up properly. The Power Mac G5 System Firmware Update is ONLY for the 1.8 GHz, 600MHz bus single-processor Power Mac G5 (Rev B - Late 2004) computer and requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or Mac OS X 10.4.3 or later.

If you are using an earlier version of Mac OS X 10.3 or Mac OS 10.4, please update the Mac operating system.

Digidesign and M-Audio announce that new Pro Tools M-powered version 7 is now available. Pro Tools M-Powered is designed to work with select M-Audio hardware peripherals. With Pro Tools M-Powered, M-Audio hardware enthusiasts have access to the recording industry's most popular audio/MIDI production software for recording, editing, and mixing music. Pro Tools M-Powered 7 is a free update for all registered Pro Tools M-Powered owners with the Pro Tools M-Powered 6.8 iLok authorization. To download your update, please go to the following page:

EASTWEST announces the availability of all three PRO XP (Expansion) versions of it's Quantum Leap Symphonic Orchestra series. The Professional Expansion packages, when added to the original versions (which are required), add up to 400 new instruments/articulations to the original library and approximately doubles the size of each version. Further, improvements have been made to the original library also using the PRO XP players. New expansion packs feature :

- EWQL SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA PLATINUM & PLATINUM PRO XP
24-bit samples, recorded from 3 phase-locked mic positions, chromatic sampling, 138 gigabytes of samples, release trails, Qlegato, bonus Steinway B Grand Piano.

- EWQL SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA GOLD & GOLD PRO XP
16-bit samples, one mic position, chromatic sampling, 36 gigabytes of samples, release trails, QLegato, includes all instruments and articulations that were not included in the original Gold Edition from the original Platinum Edition, bonus Steinway B Grand Piano.

- EWQL SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA SILVER & SILVER PRO XP
16-bit samples, one mic position, 5.4 gigabytes of samples, QLegato

Details are available on East West web site.

Native Instruments announces that the new version of its drawbar organ, the B4 II, is now available in strores. The bass pedal section of the B4 II has been extended with a Pedal Bass Legato function, and now even includes a special "String Bass" option. Th new B4 II comes equipped with a new selection of models, ranging from a number of B3 organs of different age and condition to Vox Continental, Farfisa and Harmonium models. The rotary speaker section, the crucial element in achieving the signature Hammond sound, has also received a complete overhaul that brings both its authenticity and versatility to a new level.

B4 II is available for $229/199 Euro and an update for existing B4 owners is available for $99/79 Euro.

Nagra announces from Switzerland an upcoming Nagra digital portable recorder. The Nagra "Ares-M" will feature 1 GB internal memory, a USB port, .wav recording (20 Bit A/D & D/A conversion at 8 to 48 kHz PCM) or .mpeg recording (64 to 384 kb/s), mini jack microphone input, mini jack line input, jack 3.5 mm stereo line output, and headphone output. It will come with an integrated microphone, and a USB cable. The Ares-M is powered by 2 x "AA" cells with a 10 hours atonomy.

It will cost 1,200 CHF (USD$ not available yet).