The incomparable Haken Continuum Fingerboard is a musical instrument that allows unprecedented realtime performance control. There has been a new firmware released recently:

The Version 8.50 release is now available, with many new System Presets and new EaganMatrix capabilities.

This firmware is compatible with all modern Continuums produced since 2008 (Continuums with DSP), which is remarkable in the typical electronic world environment of orphaned hardware. However, certain new aspects of the firmware is only available on Continuums with the new 2X processor, or with Expanded systems (noted per item in this document). As always, there are already plans for a future release which will expand on the concepts and designs established in this and previous firmware releases for all Continuums with any DSP.

There are around 350 presets available right now, one of the new ones is Jupiter Mission -inspired by the Jupiter Mission section of 2001 A Space Odyssey. Check out these otherworldly sounds in the video below:

The second video featured the new External Note Mode. This mode lets you combine external sequences with your live playing of Continuum. This opens up totally new possibilities: