Apple may go galactic
AppleInsider and O'Grady's PowerPage are reporting that Apple is developing a Mac add-on code-named Asteroid that will let musicians easily plug their analog gear into a Mac. The device, known in music circles as a "breakout box," is said to contain analog inputs for plugging in instruments or other audio sources, as well as a FireWire connection to the Mac, along with jacks needed to output sound to speakers or other media gear.
The sites speculate that the Asteroid is likely to hit just in time for the annual MacWorld Expo, which takes place Jan. 10 to 14 in San Francisco. For those who can't wait to see what the space rock might look like, both Mac sites have artist renderings based on their sources' description of the device. --Ina Fried
During her years at CNET News, Ina Fried has changed beats several times, changed genders once, and covered both of the Pirates of Silicon Valley. These days, most of her attention is focused on Microsoft. E-mail Ina. 
