iTunes 9.0.1 now available, much more stable

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Music, Software

Apple released iTunes 9.0.1 yesterday, and normally, they squash some bugs that some people experience. Here is a look at the changes in the latest release, which comes just a couple of weeks after the iTunes 9 release:

• Resolves issues browsing the iTunes Store.
• Addresses a performance issue where iTunes may become unresponsive.
• Fixes a problem where iTunes may unexpectedly quit.
• Fixes a problem syncing Podcasts in playlists to iPod or iPhone.
• Fixes a problem sorting albums with multiple discs.
• Addresses an issue with the Zoom button not switching to Mini Player.
• Improves application syncing for iPod touch and iPhone.
• Genius is now automatically updated to show Genius Mixes.

We must say, iTunes 9 feels more responsive, and works more “as it should,” or as expected. Hit up Software Update to grab it.

• Tools:
• Permalink
• Comments (0)
• Digg This
• Share on Facebook
• Email this story

iTunes 9: iTunes LP, App Arrangement, Redesigned Store

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Music, Software

iTunes 9 details have slipped out just a tad bit early, and we’ve got the details for you. The main attraction here seems to be a completely redesigned and optimized iTunes Store. Navigation has been made a heck of a lot easier, and there is even a new full window display that allows you to browse the iTunes Store in full screen. Seems silly, but hey, why not?

There are also new preview mechanisms that let you preview content from anywhere, just by rolling over it with your mouse.

iTunes LP is a new addition to the iTunes experience, which Apple describes as a “gorgeous, immersive digital version of select albums.” Basically, while listening to an album, you can also get animated lyrics, liner notes, performance videos, photos, and more. We have to see it in action, but it sounds an awful lot like the Zune Now Playing feature.

There are now iTunes Extras. When you rent a digital movie, you get the movie, plus extras. Typically, you would only get to view special features on a DVD. Now iTunes brings you cast interviews, deleted scenes, photo galleries, and more.

Aside from these new features, iTunes also picks up some nice syncing enhancements. You can now arrange how you want apps to appear on your iPhone and iPod touch right in iTunes, and sync those right over. There is also a much more powerful syncing mechanism for all the other content (like, sync just these Faces for photos, sync all of this artist, etc.)

There’s also a new feature called Home Sharing, which lets you actually move content around from up to 5 computers in your home, rather than just being able to stream between them. iTunes 9 will be available very shortly.

• Tools:
• Permalink
• Comments (1)
• Digg This
• Share on Facebook
• Email this story

iTunes Prices Raised

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Apple, Corporate News, Music

You may have noticed by now the change of pricing on iTunes. As of Tuesday, Apple has begun to sell some of its most popular titles for $1.29 each. Others will be lowered to $.69 while some will remain at $.99. Recording companies decide the prices and Apple has also dropped DRM, so that others sans iPods can enjoy the downloads, as long as they support the company’s AAC encoding. It might pay to shop around though, as Amazon offers many of them for 79 and 89 cents.

Read More | USA Today

• Tools:
• Permalink
• Comments (2)
• Digg This
• Share on Facebook
• Email this story

Beatles music not yet on iTunes

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Apple, Corporate News, Music, Portable Audio / Video, Rumors

Update: Turns out, Apple is saying this is an unsubstantiated rumor.

“This is not news nor is it a scoop,” says an Apple Inc. spokesman, declining further comment.

In a USA Today interview, Steve Jobs said that:

It will happen — I hope by the first half of next year. As soon as they’re ready, we’re ready.

The original story:

Get ready to welcome Sgt. Pepper to your iPod. Sir Paul has finally reached an agreement with Apple and the iTunes store. For $400 million, they will receive the Beatles’ back catalog. Proceeds will be divided between McCartney, Ringo Starr, the families of John Lennon and George Harrison, and no doubt will trickle down to Heather Mills. Michael Jackson, EMI, and Sony, who also own part of the Beatles music, will also receive stipends as part of the deal.

Read More | Crave

• Tools:
• Permalink
• Comments (0)
• Digg This
• Share on Facebook
• Email this story

Apple is Second in Music Sales

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Apple, Corporate News, Music

Apple must be positively giddy at hearing the news that the iTunes Store is now the #2 retailer of music, second only to Wally World. The company claims that it sold 20 million tunes on Christmas Day alone. Based on an NPD Group survey, the top four also included Best Buy and Target. The study also concluded that about 29 million consumers, ages 36 to 50, acquired music legally. They were those that had recently purchased (or received) MP3 players. That was an increase of 5 mill over the year before. That’s a lot of assuaged guilt.

Read More | NPD Group

• Tools:
• Permalink
• Comments (0)
• Digg This
• Share on Facebook
• Email this story

Fox Heads to iTunes Store

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Apple, Corporate News, Home Entertainment

First NBC leaves Apple for AOL, and now Fox will be offering some of their fall premieres at no charge on iTunes. Programs such as “Bones,” “American Dad,” and “K-ville” are part of the package which becomes available the day after their launch dates. Check with the iTunes Store since some of the programs have already begun. We say thank you very much since we dig free stuff and not having to wait for reruns in case we missed episodes the first time around.

Read More | Fox Flash

• Tools:
• Permalink
• Comments (1)
• Digg This
• Share on Facebook
• Email this story

No More NBC at iTunes Store

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Apple, Editorial, Home Entertainment, Portable Audio / Video

Apple has announced that it will no longer be offering NBC programs through its iTunes Store. The network broke relations with Apple after they refused to pay more than double the wholesale price for each show. This would have forced the price up to $4.99 per episode rather than the $1.99, which fellow studios ABC, CBS, FOX, The CW, and 50 cable networks now share. Because their contract doesn’t expire until December, Apple decided not to air any of their shows until then so as not to interrupt a series in mid-season. We know a better way to catch them which will not cost us a cent. We believe it is referred to as television watching.

Read More | PR Newswire

• Tools:
• Permalink
• Comments (0)
• Digg This
• Share on Facebook
• Email this story