Apple has made the bold statement “music is about the change forever” in a new teaser first uncovered by MacRumours.com. The cryptic message is displayed alongside a video of a spinning Apple Music logo, implying the new update will be centred around Apple’s Spatial Audio feature found in their AirPod Pros and AirPod Max headphones. 

AKAI has announced a new version of their classic range – MPC One Retro. With the same functionality as the One announced last year the Retro features the same colour stylings and logo from the iconic MPC60 sampler, designed by Roger Linn. The cream case and red logo give it a retro feel while the multi-touch screen, controls and functionality on the MPC One remain. 

Numark has announced two new Party Mix controllers, both featuring RGB lighting that syncs to the music. The Party Mix Live also features built-in speakers so you can quickly get the party started without a full speaker setup. More traditional features include touch-sensitive jog wheels, filter knobs per channel, transport and pitch control, two-band EQ per deck, performance pads for samples, effects, cue points and looping. 

Algoriddim’s hugely popular DJ app djay AI has a major new update for iPhone and iPad. Its Automix AI has been rebuilt from the ground up, with “fully automated” DJ sets, powered by AI and Algoriddim’s own Neural Mix feature, that separates stems of mastered stereo tracks. It allows for fluid transitions, based on more than just key and tempo, but more complex and subtle mixing techniques. 

NI has added Beatport LINK and Beatsource LINK streaming functionality to Traktor Pro 3. LINK, which lets users stream Beatport’s entire catalogue into DJ software using an internet connection, was already available in rekordbox dj, VirtualDJ, Serato, Denon DJ hardware and more. You can build your playlists inside Beatport’s store and they’ll be available inside Traktor Pro. You can also access curated playlists from the Beatport team and from artists they’ve worked with to curate track selections. 

Ableton is hosting an online event called Loop Create, a one-day virtual conference for music-makers. Designed to bring people together from all over the world, attendees can “expect to gain new insights and techniques to use in their own music-making process, try out new ideas, and share the results with a community of creators … in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.”

Long-time key detection software Mixed in Key has updated its software to version 10. The new version sees an improved key detection algorithm, automatic cue points, support for exporting and importing cue points and other metadata to key DJ software and a redesigned interface. The software can be used on full tracks for harmonic mixing while DJing or can be used on samples or any other audio source for matching the key when producing music. 

Focusrite Group has acquired Dave Smith’s legendary synth company Sequential. The group – whose brands already include Novation, ADAM Audio, Martin Audio and more – has bought a majority share in the synth company behind the iconic Prophet series, headed up by legendary electronic instrument designer and Grammy Award winner Dave Smith.

Native Instruments has teamed up with Timbaland’s sample marketplace Beatclub on a run of custom-designed MIDI keyboards, based on NI’s own M32 controllers. The blue-tinged units, which have a limited run of 150, feature the Beatclub logo and NI is giving away one of the 10 of the units on their remix and production competition website Metapop.