BoomBuzzSoftware announces an huge update to Groovetool. It adds velocity and note length functionality, as well as an extended note grid. Groovetool allows quick, simple, and intuitive way to create quantize templates, which can drag directly from groovetool's interface to most software sequencers that support creation of groove templates from midi files- Logic, DP, ProTools, and Cubase to name a few.

The previous release of groovetool is now available for free, under the new name of q-tool. Price is still $7.00 for Groovetool up to 1.2. Put some life into those boring old pattern-based sequences!

Apple announces an update to version 7.1.2 for QuickTime. This new 7.1.2 update addresses an issue previewing iDVD projects. This 50 Mb update is recommended for all QuickTime 7 users, and is available via the Softawre Update Utility or on the Apple Web site.

This year, the Apple Expo '06 will take place from 12 to 16 September in Paris at Paris-Expo, Hall 5, Portes de Versailles. As usual, you can register online and you will then be sent an ebadge by email which needs to be presented onsite to receive your entrance pass.

Several websites report that Steve Jobs will not be at the Paris Apple Expo in September, but only at his WWDC keynote on August 7th.

XO Wave version 0.18.0 Beta is available today . XO Wave is a (DAW) Digital Audio Workstation which specializes in multi-track recording, CD mastering, and audio for video work. It runs on Mac OS X and Linux and is available in both a free version for both platforms and, for $75 US, a Pro version for the Mac, which includes additional features. New features of XO Wave include Audio Unit support, CD Text, ISRC and MCN/UPC burning support, support for session and per-file metadata, improvements to the edit window and ruler, as well as improved playback modes.

Yellow Tools announces an update to version 1.1 for Independence. This update adds several improvements such as a new Pro Groove Extension, arpeggiator, Step Sequencer, host & MIDI Automation, classic alternate mode, solo view, project preferences menu and some bufixes. Independence is asampler, virtual instrument, workstation, ...Enabled by the fusion of innovative virtual instrument technology with state-of-the-art sampler architecture, this sophisticated creativity tool meets the demands of music producers, film composers, sound designers, songwriters, and remixers.

This new version is available for free for all Independence 1 registered users.