Steinberg has announced HALion Player, a new, playback-only version of its HALion virtual sampler. Tailored to newcomers to virtual sampling, HALion Player puts many of the technologies available on the HALion sampling platform behind a sleek, no-frills interface. Capable of playing any HSB, FXP or FXB files created for HALion 3, HALion Player offers an affordable, high quality sample content playback module for VST, DXi and AU. Next to the Halion PLayer, Steinberg has announced the launch of Groove Agent 2, the long-awaited update to its Groove Agent virtual drummer. Replete with dozens of fresh, up-to-the-minute styles and a battery of quality new drum sounds, Groove Agent 2 offers the latest drum grooves and styles within the comfortable confines of modern DAW environments supporting the VST, DXi, ReWire or AU plug-in formats.