GarageBand for macOS gets new features, TouchBar support

Apple released an update to GarageBand for macOS, the most popular music creation and editing applications for consumers. GarageBand 10.2 is a significant update that comes with a modern design, new features and content, and usability improvements, including:

-- Expanded support for the MacBook Pro Touch Bar:

-- Navigation view lets users quickly move around their project by dragging across a visual overview of the arrangement

-- Performance view turns the Touch Bar into a simple one-octave musical keyboard or drum pads for playing and recording software instruments

-- Addition of 3 new Drummers that play percussion in the styles of Pop, Songwriter, and Latin

-- New Drummer loops, a new type of Apple Loop, which can be added to your song and then customized with performance controls

-- The ability to remotely add new tracks to your project using GarageBand on your iPhone or iPad

--  A new modern design that improves legibility in brighter working conditions and has a flatter overall look, consistent with the latest macOS designs.

The GarageBand 10.2 update is available to existing users for free.

Sony Pictures Television heads Jamie Erlicht and Zack Van Amburg move to Apple

In case it wasn't clear enought that Apple is serious about creating its own original programming for Apple Music, the company has redoubled its efforts to hire top-tier industry talent.

Jamie Erlicht and Zack Van Amburg, two of television’s most notable and influential executives, are joining Apple in newly created positions overseeing all aspects of video programming.

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Essential Phone coming exclusively to TELUS in Canada

Anyone interested in the Essential Phone, which is Android creator Andy Rubin's first news flagship smartphone, will be happy to know that the device is coming to Canada exclusively through TELUS. Pricing and availability are still being determined but Canadians can pre-register at telus.com/essential to be the first to know when pre-orders will be open late July. The Essential Phone will be available in store and online later this summer.

Rather plain looking and blocky, the Essential Phone is crafted from titanium, offers expansion with a 360' camera and has a unique edge-to-edge display as well as premium smartphone features.

New Xbox Live Avatars system coming this fall with focus on diversity

Xbox Live Avatars have been gamer's virtual identity since 2008 when launched on Xbox 360. Now designed on Unity, the Xbox Live Avatar system is getting a whopper of an update this fall with focus on diversity and representation with a wide range of options, animations and accessories. Microsoft says it will ship its “Avatar 2.0” system to Windows 10 users first and then to the the Xbox.

Source: The Verge