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 !

Digidesign introduced MassivePack 4 and MassivePack 4 Pro plug-in bundles for Digidesign Pro Tools|HD systems. The MassivePack 4 plug-in bundle is also available for VENUE live sound environment systems, and features :

- Phoenix, by Crane Song
- ReVibe, by Digidesign
- Smack!, by Digidesign
- Fairchild 660 and 670 Bundle, by Bomb Factory
- Pultec Bundle, by Bomb Factory
- H3000 Factory, by Eventide
- Quadravox, by Eventide
- Channel G, by McDSP
- MC2000, by McDSP
- Oxford OXF-R3 EQ, by Sony Oxford
- Speed, by SoundToys (not available for Venue systems)
- Master X3, by TC Electronic
- A10 Series, by URS
- N12 Series, by URS.

MassivePack Pro 4 includes a Pro Tools|HD Accel card in addition to all of the plug-ins in the MassivePack 4 bundle.

Waves in association with Paul Reed Smith Guitars announces Waves GTR system, a new system designed for guitar digital recording. The system contains the Waves/PRS Guitar Interface, a hardware guitar impedance and level matching unit, Waves Amp, a plug-in which offers 7 emulated amps, and Waves Stomp, a plug-in featuring 23 classic and new guitar effects. Waves GTR is compatible with both Native and TDM systems .

As often, no release date but prices are $600 Native, $1,200 TDM.

Alphakanal has released version 0.3.0 of Automat, which adds New GUI and DSP code. This new version is not preset compatible with previous versions and it now requires Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger and Altivec. Automat is a substrative synthesizer featuring subtractive synthesis, 3 antialiased oscilators, filters and amplifier, 2 ADSR's for filter and amplifier and 6 modulators with tempo sync.

According to several web sites and other sources, it seems that Apple will update its iBook range, with only two models at $999 and $1,299. The Mac mini range will be also updated early next week alongside the iBook. Three new Mac mini configurations will be available at $499, $599, and $699. The new $699 model will feature AirPort Extreme, BlueTooth, and SuperDrive standard, sources said.

just wait...

At NAMM, M-Audio announces the Fast Track Pro mobile audio/MIDI interface. This pro version of the Fast Track USB is USB bus powered and features :

- 24-bit/44.1kHz audio interface with dual mic/ instrument preamps
- 2 front panel mic/instrument preamp inputs (Neutrik XLR/ ¼" TRS)
- 2 balanced outputs (¼" TRS), 4 unbalanced outputs (RCA),
- S/PDIF and MIDI I/O
- ¼" headphone output with level control and A/B source switch
- Kensington lock port

Fast Track Pro is Mac OS X 10.3.9 and higher compatible. it will be available in August at $299,00.

Ableton annouces at NAMM that Live 5 is now shipping worldwide today. In addition, an update to version 5.0.1 is also available. Live 5 features :

- clip freeze
- plug-in delay compensation
- launchable arrangement locators
- Mackie Control support
- mp3 and automatic tempo-matching
- new 'complex' warp mode
- new clip transport
- new 'live clip' format
- better browsing
- new preset management
- device groups
- new library
- new instruments and effects : beat repeat; phraser and flanger; auto pan; saturator; arpeggiator; simpler updated.

Live 5 is now available for 499 euros or USD. For customers who purchased Live 4 between May 1, 2005 and May 31, 2005, downloadable upgrades to Live 5 will be available for 49 euros or USD. All customers who unlock Live 4 for the first time from June 1, 2005 until the final release day of Live 5 will receive a version 5 serial number on release day at no charge.