GarageBand

Remember GarageBand? It's that thing on your Mac you probably never use. Apple has updated the music creation tool to version 2.1.1 for iOS and version 10.1.2 for OS X. The update "celebrates the rich history of Chinese music with new instruments and extensive Chinese language localization," according to the Press Release.

After launching a new app that allows iOS users to qucikly record song ideas, Apple rolled out a huge update to its original music creating tool, GarageBand. Version 2.1of the app includes a ton of new features, plus support for Apple's newest devices, the iPad Pro and both iPhone 6s models.

Apple says the new version of GarageBand "looks stunning on the expansive 12.9-inch Retina display on the iPad Pro." The larger screen also gives iPad Pro owners access to more controls and room to play. On the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus musicians can now utilize 3D Touch to play keyboard sounds with polyphonic aftertouch.

There are a lot of apps and accessories that transform your iPad into a variety of musical instruments. The latest from Samson is the Carbon 49 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller. The Carbon 49 connects to your iPad through your camera connection kit, and features an integrated iPad stand. It's compatible with any MIDI-compatible app, and offers 49 velocity-sensitive keys for a real keyboard feel.

Its compact design and ability to be directly powered by the iPad makes it the perfect accessory for your live band. The Carbon 49 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller is only $89. Read on for a complete list of features.

Cargo-Bot is being called the "first game programmed entirely on the iPad using Codea."

Codea has been called the "GarageBand of coding." The $10 app lets you create games and simulations right on your iPad, and the creators have decided to prove that it works by releasing Cargo-Bot for free in the Apple App Store.

Cargo-Bot is not only an advertisement, but it proves that the iPad is more than an expensive Facebook machine by showing that it's capable of creating decent content. However, showing that your code editor works by using it yourself isn't really reassuring. Especially when you are trying to convince people to drop $10 on an app. At least iPad users get a free puzzle game out of the developer's attempt to prove that their pay app is a worthy investment.

I'm not sure if there is a demand for iPad family bands, but if you were looking to form one, Rockmate is the app you'll need! The new app transforms your iPad into a music studio allowing you to compose, record and play songs with up to 4 people.

Rockmate features everything you need to record and share music with your family and friends. You just have to choose what instrument you want to play, guitar, drum kit or keyboards, and use the smart metronome and a real-time looper to kick start your iPad music career. The app is being offered at the introductory price of $0.99 for one week. Hurry and download it now because it will jump to $3.99 on December 21.

Two Apple multimedia apps received updates for the iPhone and iPad to take advantage of the A4 and A5 processing power. GarageBand now offers support for audio output through AirPlay, Bluetooth devices and HDMI with the Apple Digital AV Adapter, it can import AIFF, WAV, CAF audio files and Apple Loops, and allows copy and paste of audio from other iOS apps.

The update also "improves overall stability and addresses a number of minor issues," including "occurrences of GarageBand freezing while playing Smart Instruments."

iMovie for iPad/iPhone has been updated to version 1.2.1. It offers audio play from your HDTV when using the Apple Digital AV Adapter, more accurate clip grouping by date in Video browser, and fixes the background music fade in or out bug.