The peripheral plugs into your home entertainment system using RCA cables, and lets you dub copies of audio cassettes. The software includes GraceNote MusicID technology, which analyzes your recordings and adds album, artist, and song information automatically.--

Akvis on Monday announced a new version of its software for converting photos into pencil and watercolor drawings that features an improved algorithm for photo-to-sketch conversions. In addition, Akvis Sketch 9.0 adds a new parameter field for edge definition and lets users manipulate the saturation of color pencil drawings.

Other additions to version 9.0 include seven presets: B&W, Sketch, WaterColor, Charcoal Low, Charcoal High, Color Pencil Low, Color Pencil High, and Pastel. Users can now import and export a list of presets.

Registered users can upgrade to Akvis Sketch 9.0 for $39. The software costs $72 and runs on OS X 10.4 and later.--