TASCAM has released GigaStudio 4., its Windows sampling workstation.
New features include the QuickSound database tool, additions to the QuickEdit interface and user interface improvements.
GigaStudio 4 features:

Supports 64-bit operating systems like XP64 and Windows Vista 64 (32-bit version also available).
Unlimited polyphony.
96kHz/24-bit sample support.
128 MIDI channel playback.
embedded GigaPulse convolution reverb.
iMIDI rule programming includes legato mode, round-robin, alternation, [...]

This is pretty insane - a robot that moves around, collects samples and then lays down funky beats.
The robot first plays on the object it finds (or is forced to find by the angry cameraman), plays a small beat, and records the beat it plays on it. Then this recorded beat is played again, and [...]

E-MU Systems has announced the Emulator X3 Streaming Sampling Synthesizer, which offers both 32-bit and native 64-bit applications, multi-processor and multi-threading support. In addition, the E-MU hardware lock has been removed so that E-MU hardware is no longer required as a dongle.
Emulator X3 features E-MU’s Xstream streaming sound engine with up to 192kHz sampling and [...]

Bismark has released the bs-0 freeware software playback sampler for Steinberg VST 2.4 and Apple Audio Units plug-in format.
bs-0 lets you play all SoundFont 2 files for Creative Sound Blaster series, and DLS (Downloadable Sounds) files on your host application.
via SonicState

NAMM Update: Garritan introduced ARIA, a new 64-bit Sampler/Synthesis Engine, developed in collaboration with Plogue Art et Technologie.
Gary Garritan says, “We are very excited about ARIA. This revolutionary new sound engine will provide us with utmost flexibility to achieve our creative potential in developing software instruments. ”
ARIA’s features include:

Efficiency and Reliability: The core engine is [...]

NAMM Update: The MPD32 is Akai Professional’s latest pad controller for musicians and DJs. Using a USB cable to connect to a PC or Mac, the MPD32 is designed for hardware control of programs like Reason, Ableton Live and GarageBand.
The MPD32 is the only pad controller on the market to feature the MPC Note Repeat [...]

SampleRobot 3 will be publicly presented at the 2008 NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, from the 17th to the 20th of January 2008.
With SampleRobot 3, musicians can create their own virtual musical instruments as well as sound and loop libraries. SampleRobot 3 includes Cakewalk’s Dimension LE software sampler, which is connected via a clever export [...]

The Vako Orchestron is an old-school style optical competitor to the Mellotron.
The Orchestron, which was adapted from the Mattel Optigan, was introduced in 1975 by Dave VanKoevering. It was intended to be a competitor to the Mellotron, but it never really took off.
More information about the Orchestron and related instruments is available at the [...]

Yellow Tools has released a new free version of their Independence sampler workstation for Mac & Windows.
Independence Free 2.0 is based on the new Independence 2.0 version which will also be released sometime this month. Independence Free 2.0 comes with all the features of the Independence Sampler version 2.0 - only the import of audio [...]

Native Instruments has announced Kontakt 3, the latest version of its popular software sampler. The new version is centered around a next-generation instrument library that, according to NI, “sets new standards both in its musical scope and in its creative value, while also adding a wide range of new functions and refinements in all areas [...]

Digidesign has extended the Structure sampler family with the introduction of two new versions that will allow even more users access to the plug-in’s capabilities.
Structure LE provides many of the same powerful and creative features as its big brother for a fraction of the price, while Structure Free offers a great introduction to Structure sample [...]

Homegrown Sounds has released Astralis C, the 3rd synth from the Astralis VSTi synth pack. It uses either 16 or 24 bit Mono/Stereo Samples as its sound source.
The Samples are stored in banks of around 50 in a custom samples folder which can be installed anywhere on your PC. Each folder in the main samples [...]

Roland has expanded its SP Sampler lineup with the new flagship SP-555 Sampling Workstation. The SP-555 comes with 16 velocity sensitive pads, 37 Fantom-quality effects, a new LOOP CAPTURE function, beefed up internal sample memory, and computer integration with USB MIDI/AUDIO connectivity.

Shuriken has released Shredder, a free VST sampler for Windows & Mac designed to be easy to use and fun to play with. It has 12 slots for samples that are controllable via MIDI notes or automatable parameters as well as the GUI.

Maizesoft has introduced Maize Sampler, a sample engine that lets you share your samples with musicians around the world.
Features:

Propagation (VSTi export) with pre-defined UI styles
Keyswitching between 12 layers
Disk-streaming
Sample-mapping, velocity layering
16 channels, 4 stereo output, 32 polyphonies
Supports 8, 16, 24 bit sample rate
Built-in simple reverb and EQ
Both VSTi and Standalone modes
Comes with a Soundfont to Maize [...]