Terrence O'Brien

The “production release” of  Windows MIDI Services just hit the Dev and Beta Windows Insider channels, and Microsoft says it will land on retail installs in “the next few months.” This means higher-resolution expression, two-way communication between devices, and less need for third-party drivers. MIDI 2.0 was announced in 2019, but adoption has been slow, with macOS and Android adding support in 2021 and 2022, respectively. There are still only a handful of compatible devices available, too.

One last time for the year, the site is waving its cut of sales, and every dollar will go directly to the artists. It’s an excellent opportunity to pick up that record you slept on all year, like University’s McCartney, It’ll Be OK, or Los Thuthanaka’s self-titled album.

Aqara’s seven-inch touchscreen Panel Hub S1 Plus has gotten a major update that adds built-in Siri support, so you can tap Apple’s virtual assistant, even when your phone or HomePod aren’t nearby. While built-in Siri isn’t new, it hasn’t enjoyed the same level of support as Alexa. For now, unfortunately, the S1 Plus isn’t available in the US, however.

It’s only four questions long, but NPR’s test of your ability to spot AI slop can help you test your skills. Of course, after you pass the test (I have faith in you), there are tips for what to look out for and words of caution about just assuming everything is fake. Your skepticism can be weaponized in what’s called the “liar’s dividend.”

In a sign that consumers may be focused heavily on scoring deals and discounts this holiday season, spending was up significantly from 2024. Depending on the metric you use, spending was up between 9 and 11 percent. It might not be an indicator of what to expect for the rest of the holiday season, however, according to the New York Times:

Just a couple of months after entering beta, Ableton Live 12.3 is officially available as a free update for all Live 12 owners. There are also some updated devices, including a revamped Auto Pan-Tremolo. Push is gaining a new layout, too, that turns the top 32 pads into an X/Y expression controller.