PC and Music News

(Reuters) - Silicon Valley legend Steve Jobs on Wednesday resigned as chief executive of Apple Inc in a stunning move that ended his 14-year reign at the technology giant he co-founded in a garage.

"Apple shares dived as much as 7 percent in after-hours trade after the pancreatic cancer survivor and industry icon, who has been on medical leave for an undisclosed condition since January 17, announced he will be replaced by COO and longtime heir apparent Tim Cook."

Native Instruments today announced TRAKTOR KONTROL S2, a versatile integrated DJ performance system that was designed to set a new professional standard in the two-deck category. Based on a compact version of the market-leading KONTROL S4 hardware, the KONTROL S2 provides a "2+1" setup with sample decks as well as comprehensive mixing and effect features, all based on the included full-featured TRAKTOR PRO 2 software.

To offer DJs a more portable alternative to the professional 4-deck TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 system, the KONTROL S2 is centered around a new compact controller hardware. It provides the same patent-pending high-resolution jog wheels, combined with ergonomic controls for cueing, looping and effects. The integrated 24bit/96 kHz sound card with its dual stereo outputs is based on the award-winning technology of the TRAKTOR audio interface range, and provides the same acclaimed sound quality with its supreme clarity and especially high output volume.

This is an officially qualified and recommended update for all Pro Tools 9 and Pro Tools HD 9 users on Mac OS X 10.6.x (Snow Leopard) and Windows 7.

Although not officially qualified, Pro Tools 9.0.5 also adds public beta support for Apple's OS X Lion operating system.

The Keystation Mini 32 is a 32-note, USB bus-powered keyboard controller designed for musicians on the go. Small enough to fit in a backpack, this ultra-portable controller delivers unmatched playability in its class, with features including:

32 low-profile mini-keys, enabling musicians to play two-handed parts
Highly musical velocity curves, allowing keyboard sensitivity customization to individual playing styles
4 assignable controls, including a knob, providing real-time control of DAW and virtual instrument functions
USB bus-powered, plug-and-play connectivity including iPad compatibility (iPad Camera Connection Kit required; check specific apps to verify MIDI support).

The HP-P1 is the world's first portable headphone amplifier with D/A conversion that receives digital audio signal directly from iPhone/iPod, then converts to analog audio via high resolution 32bit DAC. The analog signal is further enhanced via a precision audiophile quality headphone amplifier.

The tone, depth, and effective headroom of the HP-P1 are nothing short of stunning, giving the impression of almost limitless audio power reserves available at all times. Add to this a 3-step gain optimization switch to accommodate all types of headphones, built-in S/PDIF Digital Out, twin digital filters and a rugged, yet stylish aluminum alloy chassis resulting in the best portable headphone amp for iPhone/iPod on the market.

Genome MIDI Sequencer (GMS) is a pattern based MIDI sequencer. With GMS you can control all of your MIDI gear - sequence single patterns or an entire 16 track song.

GMS is fun, easy and portable. Whether you want to make music from the couch, a hotel room or on stage, GMS is the right tool for the job.

GMS easily syncs your drum machines and arpeggiators by sending and receiving MIDI clock messages. General MIDI files are easily exported and imported for integration with desktop apps.

GMS is compatible with the Line6 MIDI Mobilizer and any interfaces that support CoreMIDI using the Camera Connection Kit or Network MIDI. Network MIDI allows you to send events to your Mac Desktop or to other iOS devices and apps.