Microsoft schedules press briefing in secret venue

Microsoft has scheduled a press event on Monday for what it calls a major announcement, but isn't being any more specific with location other than "in Los Angeles." Press received invitations to an afternoon event, stating that the event "will be a major Microsoft announcement -- you will not want to miss it," but the invite didn't divulge the specific location beyond somewhere in Los Angeles, and the company says it will wait until the morning of the event to reveal the venue. The Los Angeles venue suggests a media-related announcement.

NewerTech builds bridge between eSATA drives and USB 3.0 computers

The USB 3.0 to eSATA connectivity gap has been bridged by a recently announced NewerTech adapter. The NewerTech eSATA to USB 3.0 adapter allows an eSATA external drive to be connected to a computer with a USB 3.0 host connection. The device does not allow a USB 3.0 drive to be connected to an eSATA connection, however. The adapter is available now for $30.

AmpliTude Slash app unleashed on the iPad

IK Multimedia has partnered with guitarist Slash to unleash the rock-centric AmpliTube Slash app ($10) that allows the user to play, practice, and record music on the iPad with a digital reproduction of the former Guns 'n' Roses guitar player's custom amplifier setup. Also included is a collection of Slash's guitar tone settings for the amp provided as a starting point for user manipulation. A fully-integrated multi-track recording feature is also available as an in-app purchase. A version for the Mac and PC is also available and can be purchased inside the free AmpliTube custom shop for $80.

by MacNN Staff