MacRumors has been tipped that users attempting to make purchases in iTunes today are being greeted with new Terms of Service (TOS) which include the following, tantalizing line:
The Terms of Sale have been revised to clarify that you can now use iTunes LPs and iTunes Extras on Apple TV with software version 3.0 or higher.
Apple TV was introduced in 2006 and re-introduced alongside the original iPhone at Macworld 2007. It was bumped to OS 2.0 at Macworld 2008 when video rentals were introduced. Then… incremental updates only. The debut of iTunes LP and iTunes Extras at the Apple 2009 Music Event, in their Apple TV-friendly 720p format hinted at an update, and now let’s hope Apple is finally ready to deliver it. (Along with their fancy new remote?)
Let’s also hope Mac OS X’s Front Row, currently languishing with an Apple TV 1.0 era interface gets a similar upgrade. Beyond 2.0 for real parity would be nice, especially considering the Mac Mini is marketed, in part, as an entertainment center. Right Apple?
Ready. Set. Software Update!
Yes, as expected this morning, Apple has released iTunes 8.1 (and Front Row 2.1.7) with support for the new iPod shuffle 4G with VoiceOver, also tied into the updated Apple Remote app [iTunes link] released earlier today for the iPhone and iPod touch.
Anyone got it yet? Is it really faster, stronger, and better for you? Let us know!
[Thanks to Blake for the tip!]
QuickTime 7.5.5 was the prep, Front Row 2.1.6 the side dish, but now the main event, iTunes 8 itself, is available from Apple for your downloading pleasure!
Apple Says:
iTunes 8 includes Genius, which makes playlists from songs in your library that go great together. Genius also includes Genius sidebar, which recommends music from the iTunes Store that you don’t already have.
With iTunes 8, browse your artists and albums visually with the new Grid view; download your favorite TV shows in HD quality from the iTunes Store; sync your media with iPod nano (4th generation), iPod classic (120GB), and iPod touch (2nd generation); and enjoy a stunning new music visualizer.
iTunes 8 and iTunes U are now accessible with VoiceOver on your Mac.
Updated: Now available via Software Update, or you can grab it from Apple.com right now!
iPhone 2.0 and its App Store are almost upon us, and while deep-delving every new SDK/firmware beta has revealed many a gem before, this time it’s the Read Me file from the new, developer-only, iTunes 7.7 beta that’s giving up the goodness:
Also use the new Remote application for iPhone or iPod touch to control iTunes playback from anywhere in your home — a free download from the App Store.
YES!
This feature — and hopefully parallel Front Row and Apple TV remote control — has been near the top of my wish list since the iPhone was announced, and while this type of functionality (and much more!) has been hinted at before, it looks like we might finally see it.
Now how about hurrying up with 2.0 already, Apple, you teases!
Read
One of the features I most want for the iPhone is the ability to use it as a Wi-Fi remote for iTunes (and related services like Front Row or the Apple TV). Sitting back, multi-touch flicking through lists of content, finding something interesting, tapping, and — boom — having it “just work” on my TV or Mac would be Jobsian perfection.
Well, if TUAW’s latest rumor pans out, Apple may be about to deliver, well… not exactly that, but something just as cool:
Apple is working on a new iPhone application called iControl. Like Apple TV and other remote controllers, it would allow the iPhone to connect wirelessly to local iTunes libraries and browse through and play media from those sources. TUAW is told that a media navigator will allow you to view videos, play podcasts, listen to music and even support shuffle playback.
As is increasingly the case, the rumor comes via deep delving into the latest firmware and discovering all sorts of interesting localization strings. Whether this means we’ll just be able to play iTunes content on the iPhone as though it were a mobile Apple TV, or if I’ll be getting my dream iTunes/Front Row/Apple TV remote control via the iPhone as well, we’ll have to wait and see.
And I really am finding it harder and harder to wait. How about you?
