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New Google commercial imagines a Declaration of Independence written with help from AITwo hundred and fifty years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a new commercial asks: What if the Founding Fathers had access to Google Workspace?
Disk Polishing Goes Open SourceOptical media is great — it’s pretty high density, relatively durable, and decently long-lasting if
“That’ll buff out” is very often true when it comes to disks.
well cared for. If not well cared for, well, it’s only relatively durable, and we’ve probably all picked up a second-hand disk that’s too scratched to use. The X-Box 360 is notorious for causing circular damage, and while decent disk cleaners were easy to get in the 90s, we’re not sure how far we trust what’s on offer at retailers today. Hence [Dennis], aka [RetroGameRevival]’s RGR ezBuff polishing machine, which does exactly what it says on the tin: buffs disks to a polish, easily.
We’d say the whole thing is 3D printed, but of course you still need a motor and controller — if you had to turn a crank, that would just be a Buff polishing machine, no ez — and we’ve yet to see a printer poop out polishing compound. If you build it, keep in mind that you’re taking the top layer of material off the disk to polish scratches away, so don’t overdo it. It’s entirely possible to ruin a disk beyond repair with too-aggressive buffing; it’s also possible for disks to be scratched too deeply to save. Polishing can’t save genuine disk rot, though in our experience you’re more likely to find scratched disks than rotten ones. Still, [Dennis]’s birthday gift to the community — it was apparently released on his birthday — should keep more than a few disks out of the trash.
With Sony getting out of the disk game, physical media is becoming more precious than ever, so it’s good to see what looks like a quality polishing option for those of us who either never had a polisher or didn’t save theirs. If you really want your disks to last, maybe we should bring back CD caddies.
Thanks to [Dean] for the tip, via timeExtension.com.Kraken lets traders use tokenized stocks as collateral for leveraged tradesEligible users can now use select tokenized stocks and ETFs as collateral for futures and margin trading without selling their holdings.
Rhodes to launch the MK8/80AE Limited to a run of just 80 instruments, the Rhodes MK8/80AE will feature a gloss-varnished black oak case, chrome detailing and a transparent hood, with each unit handcrafted in the UK by Rhodes Master Builders.
Ranking Every Bon Jovi Album, From Worst to BestWith Bon Jovi returning to Madison Square Garden this July, we ranked all 17 studio albums using AllMusic's star ratings — from a 1.5-star contractual obligation to the 4.5-star arena-rock blueprint.
SOL rallies as Solana memecoins, prediction market activity surge: Are bulls back?Rising interest in Solana-network memecoins and prediction markets was followed by a rally in SOL price. Will the momentum continue?
The only AI glossary you’ll need this yearThe rise of AI has brought an avalanche of new terms and slang. Here is a glossary with definitions of some of the most important words and phrases you might encounter.
This KVM runs a P4 instead of a Pi.If you asked us to build you a KVM last week, we’d likely have reached for a Raspberry Pi. Now, thanks to [JonathanRowny], we’d seriously consider an ESP32-P4, because his IP KVM seems pretty capable.
He’s using the P4 hardware to its fullest, getting the supported 1080p graphics, and doing so in an interesting way– he’s got a commercial adapter board to try and translate HDMI signals to the camera input on his dev board. Conveniently enough, it’s the same ribbon-cable pinout as the RPi, which is not guaranteed by the CSI standard. Writing a driver to take that signal proved the hardest part– aside from the usual chip revision confusion that plagues this chip– and we can’t help but wonder if the client on the other side of the KVM-IP link might have an easier time doing the image processing that was required for a good image. Regardless, he’s got the code as it is now up on GitHub under the Apache license.
As of this this writing, there’s no audio, and ironically for an ESP32 project networking is wired-only– but much more importantly, there is no security. So it’s a work in progress, but great to see the P4 in the wild doing something other than emulation. Not that we haven’t seen the P4 at work before–the Tanmatsu handheld also makes use of Expressif’s most powerful chip for a handy little terminal. Between the KVM and the handhelds, we cannot help but wonder how many of the projects that were once the provenance of a Pi will get squeezed into these overpowered microcontrollers. Sure, they can’t even match the original Pi in horsepower, never mind a modern Pi5, but how many times have you seen a Linux SBC seriously under-taxed in a project like this?
If you’re swapping Pi for P4– or doing anything else interesting– please let us know on the tips line.Spitfire Audio SerendipitySpitfire Audio Serendipity is a sound library and multi-instrument step-sequencing tool designed to introduce controlled randomness and aleatoric variation into music composition. Devised by composer Joshua Meltzer as an expanded Pianobook Creation, the library focuses on unconventional orchestration by allowing users to cross-pollinate organic acoustic sound sources. The core architecture permits spontaneous cycling or complete random assignment of different acoustic instruments on every individual key strike or step trigger, allowing for unique hybrid textures that break conventional arrangement workflows. The engine includes 40 distinct instruments recorded in a home studio environment using Telefunken Copperhead, AKG 414, and Shure SM57 microphones. These sources range from traditional acoustic elements like autoharp, kalimba, music box, and pedal steel guitar to sound-designed assets including tape warbles, EBow layers, and granular pads. The integrated step-sequencing grid allows deep rhythmic and timbral customization, balancing structured sequences with adjustable degrees of parameter randomness to generate evolving melodic patterns and cinematic soundscapes. Presets are organized into two primary categories: Grid presets, which utilize the multi-instrument step-sequencer engine, and Pad presets, which focus on sustained, granular, and warped tape textures. Users can control the amount of algorithmic randomness applied to the playback, choosing between structured multi-instrument layers or entirely unpredictable instrument combinations across the pitch layout. Key Features 40 Organic Acoustic Instruments: Includes autoharp, kalimba, music box, pedal steel guitar, and custom sound design layers. Aleatoric Engine: Allows random instrument assignment per key strike, with scalable parameters to control the degree of randomness. Step-Sequencing Grid: Integrated multi-instrument sequencing matrix for hybrid patch design and rhythmic evolution. Dual-Category Preset System: Categorized into Grid patches for rhythmic layouts and Pad patches for granular, atmospheric textures. Triple Microphone Configuration: Clean capture of acoustic sources using distinct microphone models (Telefunken Copperhead, AKG 414, Shure SM57). NKS Compatibility: Native Kontrol Standard implementation for deep integration with Native Instruments hardware controllers. Compatible with free Native Instruments Kontakt Player or Kontakt Full (version 6.7.0 or higher). Delivery Format: Download via Spitfire Audio App (Approx. 4.77 GB installation size; 5 GB storage space required). YouTube/AqlVjyaR7JA Read More
London Symphony Orchestra upgrade LSO St Luke’s LSO St Luke’s have recently launched brand new recording facilities as part of a multi-million-pound investment in the their creative and technical infrastructure.
SIRIUS XM’S GLOBAL BEATLES DAY CELEBRATIONNearly six decades after The Beatles introduced “All You Need Is Love” to an estimated 400 million viewers during the groundbreaking Our World satellite broadcast, its universal message found fresh life at SiriusXM’s Los Angeles studios, where a fortunate group of Beatles Channel listeners gathered for an exclusive Global Beatles Day celebration honoring the band’s enduring influence on music, culture and the ideals of peace and unity.
Hosted by Beatles Channel personality and renowned Beatles historian Chris Carter, the intimate event began with a screening of the Fab Four’s unforgettable 1967 television performance before shifting seamlessly to the afternoon’s centerpiece: an imaginative new interpretation of the classic anthem by rising crossover artists Golda Zahra and Vasil. Following the performance, Carter led an engaging conversation with the singers and producer-arranger Steven Mercurio, offering guests an inside look at the creative process behind the recording before graciously posing for photographs with attendees.
Rather than attempting to duplicate one of popular music’s most iconic recordings, the performance explored new terrain by blending contemporary classical sophistication with rock energy. Zahra complemented Vasil’s rich baritone with a commanding vocal performance, effortlessly moving from warm lower passages to shimmering upper register flourishes in a duet built on warm and genuine musical conversation rather than vocal competition. Performing to orchestral backing tracks, the pair delivered a sweeping interpretation that balanced theatrical intensity with heartfelt restraint while remaining true to the song’s enduring spirit.
Mercurio, whose distinguished career includes collaborations with Andrea Bocelli, Sting and The Three Tenors, fashioned an arrangement that expanded the familiar melody into something larger in scale without sacrificing its essential optimism. The orchestral textures provided an expansive backdrop for the singers while preserving the unmistakable warmth that has made Lennon and McCartney’s composition one of the world’s most cherished expressions of hope.
The audience reflected the multigenerational reach of The Beatles’ legacy. Many proudly wore vintage Beatles T-shirts, while others embraced colorful Mod-inspired fashions that paid tribute to the band’s transformative era. Together they celebrated not simply a landmark recording, but the ideals that continue to resonate with listeners around the globe every June 25, the anniversary of the historic Our World broadcast that inspired the creation of Global Beatles Day.
Though the studio session was brief, lasting less than the announced hour, it immediately inspired an appreciation of how naturally the event connected past and present. Through Carter’s insightful hosting, Mercurio’s inventive musical vision, and the compelling artistry of Zahra and Vasil, SiriusXM created more than a commemorative gathering. It offered an affectionate reminder that while generations, styles and voices may evolve, The Beatles’ timeless invitation to embrace compassion, understanding and human connection continues to speak with remarkable clarity.
The live performance was subsequently scheduled to be featured on SiriusXM’s Global Beatles Day special to premiere July 3rd on The Beatles’ Channel, with encore airings throughout July 4th weekend. The special will also be available on the SiriusXM app.
The post SIRIUS XM’S GLOBAL BEATLES DAY CELEBRATION first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.
Get Safari Audio Sun Bear Bus Compressor for $4.99 (96% OFF)
Safari Audio’s Sun Bear Bus Compressor is on sale at Plugin Boutique for $4.99, down from $129. The 96% discount runs until July 31, and Plugin Boutique is also including a choice of free gifts with the purchase. At the time of writing, the available gifts are Cloudmax Breeze Black Edition by Karanyi Sounds, AXXESS [...]
View post: Get Safari Audio Sun Bear Bus Compressor for $4.99 (96% OFF)iZotope leaves the Native Instruments family after being acquired by Boris FX
iZotope has been acquired by Boris FX. It’s fair to say 2026 has been an eventful year so far for Native Instruments and all involved with the audio industry powerhouse, including iZotope. Recent months have been a time of uncertainty for staff and customers alike, with the future of multiple well-established brands hanging in the [...]
View post: iZotope leaves the Native Instruments family after being acquired by Boris FXBella Figura founder Alexi Cory-Smith dies, aged 58Cory-Smith's colleagues at Bella Figura confirm tragic news on social media
SourceFancy 100 hard synths in software form? Meet UVI Synth Anthology 5UVI has launched a brand new version of its hard synth software collection, Synth Anthology 5, now boasting a total of 300 hardware synths within it.
The brand describes it as “the largest and most complete edition” of the collection thanks to an additional 100 synths from its previous iteration, spanning “every era, manufacturer, and method of synthesis” in a single software instrument.READ MORE: GForce Software’s Sequential Prophet-5 is the best Prophet-5 emulation ever, hands down
The sounds within this new version are all curated directly from the original hardware they digitally emulate. Each machine has been sourced, serviced, and captured through “high-end signal chains” before being programmed and edited by the UVI sound design team.
Users can experiment with over 1,000 sound layers, over 16,000 samples, and 300 presets. The software also features controls for analogue drift, a hardware-modelled ladder filter and VCF4023 filter, as well as a polyphonic sequencer mode and per-step sequencer note repeat.
Take a closer look in the videos below:At the heart of Synth Anthology 5 is new dual-layer architecture that combines any two of the 300 synths into one hybrid voice, with the blend itself fully modulatable. There’s also a built-in proximity explorer that analyses each sound loaded and presents eight related voices to audition and remix.
In other UVI news, earlier this year it unveiled Vintage Casio Legacy, offering software versions of classic Casio synths. As these original synths were often launched at premium prices, the suite was made to bring them into an affordable digital realm.
The package includes six classic Casio machines and is Casio approved. UVI had access to the original hardware and recorded them in multiple sessions to capture their unique characteristics, like tonal variations, voicing, and signal path colour.
Synth Anthology 5 is available now for $89 / 89€ (regularly $149 / 149€) until 20 July. Users of Synth Anthology 4 can upgrade for $49 / 49€ until this date also. Find out more via UVI.
The post Fancy 100 hard synths in software form? Meet UVI Synth Anthology 5 appeared first on MusicTech.
