The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)http://www.tuaw.comThe Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.tuaw.com/media/feedlogo.gifThe Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)http://www.tuaw.comen-usCopyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Apple documents iTunes LP and iTunes Extras for developershttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/26/apple-documents-itunes-lp-and-itunes-extras-for-developers/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/26/apple-documents-itunes-lp-and-itunes-extras-for-developers/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/26/apple-documents-itunes-lp-and-itunes-extras-for-developers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

After seeing the intent by developers and artists to create iTunes LP and iTunes Extras for their music, Apple has opened up the availability to develop these features to third parties. However, automatic submission for iTunes LP and iTunes Extras is not expected until early 2010; in the meantime, it's still a limited process and uploads must be performed manually.

If you're an iTunes contributor and you're looking forward to developing an iTunes LP of your own, Apple has posted several resources for Extras & LP, including a best practices guide, a development guide, asset delivery tips and a testing guide.

There's also templates to get you started, and documentation on the TuneKit framework used by iTunes LP and iTunes Extras. These make extensive use of the WebKit framework, while using many new web standards.

Are you going to be more interested in these features since it's now open for development? Let us know in the comments below!

Apple documents iTunes LP and iTunes Extras for developers originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Apple documents iTunes LP and iTunes Extras for developers originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>developersiTunes ExtrasiTunes LPItunesExtrasItunesLpJoachim BeanThu, 26 Nov 2009 08:00:00 ESTFamily-friendly Zombies on the iPhonehttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/18/family-friendly-zombies-on-the-iphone/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/18/family-friendly-zombies-on-the-iphone/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/18/family-friendly-zombies-on-the-iphone/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

We have a lot of apps coming through our tipline, but this one caught my eye, not only because it is called Zombies (the stumbling undead always catch my eye), but because it offers up a bit of good old-fashioned fun in the form of a Daleks!-style remake.

Gameplay is simple and straighforward -- you run, turn-by-turn in eight directions, from zombies, who pursue you at the same speed, and though the game runs at any pace you want (perfect for gameplay on the iPhone, in my opinion, since most of the time I'm just looking for a few seconds to a couple minutes of easy-to-pick-up action), the dread is real. Just like actual zombies, these guys shamble their way toward you with a hunger that only brains can satisfy.

The game is on the App Store now [iTunes link]. I will say that it is a touch pricey at $2.99 (a simple arcade game like this seems made for the 99-cent price point, and it will probably end up there eventually), but who am I to begrudge the developers a couple of bucks? I don't need to drink that cup of Starbucks anyway. If you're in the mood for a simple, zombified twist on an old classic, this is it.

While you're at it, check out the Zombies preview video we shot at WWDC last July.

Family-friendly Zombies on the iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Family-friendly Zombies on the iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>app-reviewapp-storearcade-gameattackdaleksdreadold-schoolpriceshamblingsimpleturn-basedundeadzombiesMike SchrammWed, 18 Nov 2009 11:00:00 ESTApple launches iTunes Preview for external browser linkshttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/13/apple-launches-itunes-preview-for-external-browser-links/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/13/apple-launches-itunes-preview-for-external-browser-links/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/13/apple-launches-itunes-preview-for-external-browser-links/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

This is the kind of thing that probably should have been done a long time ago, but Macworld is reporting that Apple has launched iTunes Preview, a page that appears when you click an iTunes link (like this one) and your browser sends you over to iTunes. Previously, you just got that placeholder page that said "One Moment Please" and asked if you wanted to open the link in an external application, but with iTunes Preview, you get a nicely laid out page with information and reviews (and your browser still opens up the iTunes store).

Currently it only seems to work with music -- movies and television only get a small thumbnail, and applications get the same old gray page. But that'll probably change before long -- it's much smoother to see what you're clicking through to, and of course there's the added bonus for people who don't actually have iTunes installed. As MacWorld points out, there are actually no "preview" buttons on the page -- you can't listen to music there, only click through to the iTunes store. But like I said, it's better than a blank window and a browser popup asking for your permission. I wouldn't be surprised at all to see this grow a lot more in the future.

Apple launches iTunes Preview for external browser links originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Apple launches iTunes Preview for external browser links originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>applefeaturesinformationitunesitunes storeitunes-storeItunesStorelistenmacworldmoviesmusicpreviewreleaseMike SchrammFri, 13 Nov 2009 09:30:00 ESTMore HD movies hit iTunes' virtual shelveshttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/12/more-hd-movies-hit-itunes-virtual-shelves/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/12/more-hd-movies-hit-itunes-virtual-shelves/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/12/more-hd-movies-hit-itunes-virtual-shelves/#commentsFiled under: ,

Apple has added many new HD movie titles to iTunes, according to former TUAWian David Chartier's post for Macworld. David, who is an HD-aficionado, noticed that the iTunes Store just recently stocked both classic and new release HD movies, bringing the HD movie collection to nearly 300 titles.

The new HD content is sold at a premium price (typically $20), and as far as we can tell that pricing stands regardless of whether or not the movies offer iTunes Extras. A few titles, mostly items that were already available on iTunes, sell for less -- such as Terminator 2 [iTunes link] for just $13.

Until now, Apple has offered some of its HD content as exclusive Apple TV rentals. Items could be rented from Apple TV units that were not available to rent from the normal iTunes Store. It's unclear at this time whether Apple will continue this policy of exclusive Apple TV rentals, or will expand the iTunes store-based rental system to match the Apple TV offerings.

More HD movies hit iTunes' virtual shelves originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)More HD movies hit iTunes' virtual shelves originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>HDHigh DefinitionHighDefinitioniTunes StoreItunesStoreMoviesErica SadunThu, 12 Nov 2009 09:00:00 ESTiTunes LP now available for Apple TV customershttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/06/itunes-lp-now-available-for-apple-tv-customers/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/06/itunes-lp-now-available-for-apple-tv-customers/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/06/itunes-lp-now-available-for-apple-tv-customers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

A few of us here at TUAW received an email from Apple this morning stating that Apple TV-compatible versions of previous iTunes LP purchases are available for download. You'll remember that LP purchases made before the Apple TV 3.0 release would need a second download to work with the Apple TV. Apple is now offering those downloads.

The email from Apple is very straight-forward:

"With the latest versions of iTunes (9.0.2) and Apple TV software (3.0), you can now use iTunes LP on your Apple TV. We have updated the iTunes LP that was included with [your previous purchase here] so that it can now be viewed on Apple TV in addition to your Mac or PC...."

From there, the message provides a download link. Grab it, sync your Apple TV and you're off. My own is syncing as I type this, so we'll let you know how it looks and behaves later today. In the meantime, enjoy iTunes LP on your Apple TV!

iTunes LP now available for Apple TV customers originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)iTunes LP now available for Apple TV customers originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>apple tvAppleTvitunesitunes lpItunesLpDave CaoloFri, 06 Nov 2009 08:45:00 ESTiTunes TOS update hints at Apple TV 3.0 softwarehttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/29/itunes-tos-update-hints-at-apple-tv-3-0-software/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/29/itunes-tos-update-hints-at-apple-tv-3-0-software/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/29/itunes-tos-update-hints-at-apple-tv-3-0-software/#commentsFiled under: ,


A new terms of service agreement has been posted up for iTunes users to approve when purchasing songs, movies or apps -- but a read of the summary reveals that Apple TV 3.0 software is on the way. Thus far, all we know is that the update will include support for iTunes LPs and iTunes Extras. A quick check of my Apple TV reveals no update has been pushed to the devices as of yet.

Many thanks to those who submitted the tip!

iTunes TOS update hints at Apple TV 3.0 software originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)iTunes TOS update hints at Apple TV 3.0 software originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Apple TVAppleTviTunes LPItunesLpMegan LaveyThu, 29 Oct 2009 10:00:00 ESTDoubletwist introduces in-app music store powered by Amazonhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/08/doubletwist-introduces-in-app-music-store/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/08/doubletwist-introduces-in-app-music-store/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/08/doubletwist-introduces-in-app-music-store/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

We posted about Doubletwist earlier this year -- it's a pretty innovative music app (developed in part by Jon Lech Johansen, otherwise known as DVD Jon) that not only plays you play whatever you like, obviously, but even lets you share and send music off to anyone, even other people who don't have the app itself. Now Doubletwist is stepping up even more closely to becoming an iTunes competitor: they've announced a partnership with the Amazon music store to sell music directly from within the app. No TVs or movies -- just music, purchased directly within the app, and then able to be sent out to any devices or social networks as usual.

TechCrunch says the store's simplicity is actually a selling point -- iTunes has ballooned up to do way more than just sell music, and in Doubletwist it's much more straightforward. Here's the other bonus for Mac users: while we originally had to wait for an app release, the music store is currently only available on the Mac version of the software. A PC version is coming soon.

It's doubtful Doubletwist will replace iTunes for many people, given all of the various things iTunes does for a Mac user. But then again, if you are using the Amazon MP3 store with any frequency, Doubletwist is probably worth a look: it's a free download on the website.

Doubletwist introduces in-app music store powered by Amazon originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Doubletwist introduces in-app music store powered by Amazon originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>amazon-music-storedoubletwistmoviessimplicitytechcrunchtvsMike SchrammThu, 08 Oct 2009 10:30:00 ESTMac 101: iTunes artist alertshttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/02/mac-101-itunes-artist-alerts/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/02/mac-101-itunes-artist-alerts/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/02/mac-101-itunes-artist-alerts/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Welcome back to Mac 101, our series of tips for new and novice Mac users.

iTunes gets easier to use with every update. One feature, however, has gotten lost in the changes. Artist Alerts lets you receive email notifications of new releases from your favorite artists, which is great. The trouble is that the link to tag an artist isn't easy to find.

There are two ways receive alert updates from a given artist. First, navigate to that artist's page (for example, here's Paramore's page). On the right hand side, you'll see "Alert Me." Click it, enter your account password and then click "OK."

The other method is from an album page. Here's the page for Paramore's album Brand New Eyes. Scroll down a bit and you'll see "Artist Alerts" under "More Paramore."

To manage your alerts, click your account name in the upper right-hand corner. Once you've entered your password, a new window appears. Scroll down a bit and click "Manage My Alerts." From there you can de-select certain artists or clear the entire list.

Have fun and spend less time checking up on your favorites manually.

Mac 101: iTunes artist alerts originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Mac 101: iTunes artist alerts originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>artist alertsArtistAlertshow toHowToitunesitunes storeItunesStoremac 101Mac101Dave CaoloFri, 02 Oct 2009 15:00:00 ESTEminem, Apple prepare to square off againhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/23/eminem-apple-prepare-to-square-off-again/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/23/eminem-apple-prepare-to-square-off-again/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/23/eminem-apple-prepare-to-square-off-again/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Eminem's publisher, Eight Mile Style LLC, is preparing to go to trial against Apple this week over the rapper's iTunes sales, Reuters reports.

This comes just months after Eminem's production company, FBT Productions, lost its royalties case against Apple.

This is an on-going battle since 2007, when Eminem sued Apple claiming that his music was being sold through iTunes without his consent. Apple claims that the deal, done through Aftermath Entertainment with distributes Eminem's music, is not only legal, but Eminem is making money off of it. Aftermath Entertainment is also being included in the lawsuit.

Reuters says that if the two sides do not reach a deal, the trial will start on Thursday.

Eminem has also previously sued Apple over its use of "Lose Yourself" in an iTunes Store ad that aired in 2003.

[Via Apple Insider]

Eminem, Apple prepare to square off again originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Eminem, Apple prepare to square off again originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>apple legalAppleLegaleminemitunesitunes storeItunesStoreMegan LaveyWed, 23 Sep 2009 16:00:00 ESTWhy iTunes needs to offer an album-based subscription servicehttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/14/why-itunes-needs-to-offer-an-album-based-subscription-service/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/14/why-itunes-needs-to-offer-an-album-based-subscription-service/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/14/why-itunes-needs-to-offer-an-album-based-subscription-service/#commentsFiled under: ,

One of the key announcements to come out of Apple's "It's only rock and roll, but I like it" event on September 9th was iTunes LP. As implied in its name, iTunes LP seeks to provide a more rich album experience, something that has taken a backseat given the decline of physical albums.

iTunes LP includes features typically found on physical albums, such as liner notes and photos, as well as exclusive video content. One of the goals of iTunes LP is to resuscitate album sales, which have been struggling in the iTunes age of à la carte individual track sales. While iTunes LP provides a means to resuscitate the album, an album-based subscription service would further this goal even more.

Continue reading Why iTunes needs to offer an album-based subscription service

Why iTunes needs to offer an album-based subscription service originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Why iTunes needs to offer an album-based subscription service originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>a la cartea la carte pricingALaCarteALaCartePricingalbum salesAlbumSalesdeclining album salesDecliningAlbumSalesitunes lpitunes music storeitunes storeItunesLpItunesMusicStoreItunesStoresubscriptionSang TangMon, 14 Sep 2009 08:00:00 ESTiTunes 9 Focus: iTunes LPhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/10/itunes-9-focus-itunes-lp/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/10/itunes-9-focus-itunes-lp/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/10/itunes-9-focus-itunes-lp/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



For me, the most exciting feature of iTunes 9 is iTunes LP. As a kid, I read CD booklets cover to cover, looked at every photo, saw who played what instrument on what track and who wrote the songs. That's an experience I've missed since distribution went digital, but I've accepted it.

A couple of years ago, Apple added digital booklets to to the iTunes Store, and some of them were quite nice. But even the best don't compare to iTunes LP. Today I purchased the deluxe version of "Come Away With Me" by Norah Jones [iTunes link] and spent nearly 20 minutes exploring it, just like the old days.

The album contains a bonus track ("Peace"), but the real fun begins when you double-click the "Deluxe Version" file and you're presented with something that resembles a DVD menu. A simple animation draws Norah's name while the first few measures of "Come Away With Me" are heard. From there, you're set to explore.

This album has seven options: Play album, songs, memorabilia, photos, videos, liner notes and credits. The first two do what you'd expect, accompanied by photos and lyrics. The memorabilia feature surprised me with pictures of backstage passes, the tour calendar and a "quickie rundown" of events from the 45th Grammy Awards (Norah's appearances highlighted).

There are sixteen photos and four videos including -- surprise! -- Norah's appearance on Sesame Street (much to my 4-year-old's delight). Finally, the full liner notes, biography and album credits are included, each with beautiful photos.

Music fans will love this feature, as will fans of participating artists. It's not like holding a record jacket or CD booklet in your hand, but that's an unfair comparison anyway. Paper liner notes don't contain videos, photos of this size or some of the other goodies. iTunes LP is a very welcome treat.

Check out the gallery below for screenshots.

Gallery: iTunes LP

Start pageAlbum creditsNorah's tour calendarPlaying a songLiner notes

iTunes 9 Focus: iTunes LP originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)iTunes 9 Focus: iTunes LP originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>focusitunes 9itunes LPitunes storeItunes9ItunesLpItunesStoreDave CaoloThu, 10 Sep 2009 10:15:00 ESTApple releases video of today's eventhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/09/apple-releases-video-of-todays-event/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/09/apple-releases-video-of-todays-event/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/09/apple-releases-video-of-todays-event/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Update: The video of the keynote announcement is now linked off the front page of Apple.com.

Though the video of today's event is not yet on Apple.com (as of this writing -- though you can find it here), it has been added to Apple's official podcast. Even if you were underwhelmed by today's announcements, you don't want to miss Steve's return or the ovation he received. The video of today's press event is just over one hour and fourteen minutes long.

We'll be diving deep into the new features of iTunes 9 over the next 24 hours, so check back often. Until then, launch the stream and succumb to the Reality Distortion Field.

Thanks to everyone who sent this in!

Apple releases video of today's event originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Apple releases video of today's event originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>apple eventsAppleEventsitunes 9Itunes9podcastseptemper 9Septemper9videoDave CaoloWed, 09 Sep 2009 21:30:00 ESTShopping cart gone in iTunes 9http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/09/shopping-cart-gone-in-itunes-9/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/09/shopping-cart-gone-in-itunes-9/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/09/shopping-cart-gone-in-itunes-9/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Buyer beware: one of the features that has silently disappeared from iTunes 9 is the Shopping Cart, where you used to be able to place songs, albums, videos, and apps for future purchase. It has been replaced with a new feature called "Wish List" that functions similarly to the old shopping cart, storing your potential purchases on iTunes's servers.

What's slightly sneaky about this is there's nothing apparently different from an end-user's perspective at first glance. Clicking "purchase" or "buy now" used to automatically place items in your shopping cart if you had that preference enabled, but now the behavior has been completely altered - now all purchases on the iTunes store are 1-click if you click the "Buy Now" button, and there's no way to cancel them once they start. So whether it's a $1.29 song or a $129 iPhone app, if you click that "Buy Now" button, you're getting charged.

If you want to emulate the old "shopping cart" purchase behavior, you have to instead click the arrow to the right of "Buy Now" and select "Add to Wish List."


Save your wallet! Always click the arrow!

A big thanks to the many readers who sent this tip in.

Update: If you had items in your shopping cart before updating to iTunes 9, they won't have disappeared. All of the items that used to be in your shopping cart in iTunes 8 or older should have migrated to the new Wish List in iTunes 9.

image via http://www.flickr.com/photos/mukluk/ / CC BY 2.0

Shopping cart gone in iTunes 9 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Shopping cart gone in iTunes 9 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>itunesitunes 9itunes storeshopping cartChris RawsonWed, 09 Sep 2009 18:15:00 ESTiTunes 9 revealedhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/09/itunes-9-revealed/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/09/itunes-9-revealed/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/09/itunes-9-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Apple's event is starting up right now, but in the meantime, they've (inadvertently) revealed iTunes 9 via a page over in iTunes. The new version of Apple's software will include quicker and easier navigation options (you can see the new top menu in the pic above), easy-to-access preview buttons, and new ways to experience media purchased in the store. iTunes LPs will let you have the full album experience with lyrics, liner notes, and band photos and videos, and iTunes Extras will allow you to experience DVD-style extras with movies you buy from the iTunes store.

Expect an announcement at the event in a few minutes -- there is a download link on the page, so we'll also expect to have the software up and running by the end of the day. Sounds exciting!

Update: More info coming out of the keynote right now: Genius mixes are a new way to hear Genius picks, mixed by a virtual DJ. Improved playlist syncing options, and a way to arrange your apps from directly within iTunes.

iTunes 9 revealed originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)iTunes 9 revealed originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>9-9-09appleeventitunesitunes-9itunes-extrasitunes-lpnavigationMike SchrammWed, 09 Sep 2009 12:48:00 ESTRumor: Steve Jobs will appear at Sept. 9 eventhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/01/rumor-steve-jobs-will-appear-at-sept-9-event/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/01/rumor-steve-jobs-will-appear-at-sept-9-event/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/01/rumor-steve-jobs-will-appear-at-sept-9-event/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Piper Jaffray's Gene Munster is having a busy week. First, he predicted that the iPhone will go non-exclusive in the US by next year, and today he's suggesting that Steve Jobs will appear at Apple's September 9th press event.

We fully expect new iPods and iTunes next Wednesday, but Steve would be a surprise. We know that he's returned to work, but this would be his first public appearance as Apple's head since he took medical leave back in January. Depending on how he looks, a visit from Steve could nudge the stock up a notch or two.

It sure would be fun to see Steve, but we hope he's happy and healthy more than anything. In any case, we've got just over a week to wait. Keep your fingers crossed.

[Via AppleInsider]

Rumor: Steve Jobs will appear at Sept. 9 event originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Rumor: Steve Jobs will appear at Sept. 9 event originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>ipodsitunesmedia eventMediaEventrumorsseptember 9September9steve jobsSteveJobsDave CaoloTue, 01 Sep 2009 09:30:00 ESTWhat new goodies await us on the 9th?http://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/31/what-new-goodies-await-us-on-the-9th/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/31/what-new-goodies-await-us-on-the-9th/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/31/what-new-goodies-await-us-on-the-9th/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

So, Apple has confirmed that there will indeed be an event next Wednesday, September 9th. The image on the invitations indicates iPods, or at least "music", will be the focus of the shindig.

Will we see new iPods with cameras? How about iTunes 9 with some whiz-bang new social networking features? And what about that bright yellow underwater elephant in the room?

While the date is almost too tasty to pass up, I can't imagine (pun intended) that The Beatles will even be mentioned during the event. Why? The slogan the iPod silhouette girl is rockin' to is "It's only rock and roll, but I like it." Now, I'm a little younger than the relevant time period, but I've heard that neither The Rolling Stones nor The Fab Four would be thrilled with the mix up.

So, what do you think? What kind of magic are we likely to see next week?

View Poll

What new goodies await us on the 9th? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)What new goodies await us on the 9th? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>ipoditunesmusicpollpress eventPressEventsocial networkingSocialNetworkingKevin HarterMon, 31 Aug 2009 17:00:00 ESTWill the Beatles library finally arrive in iTunes September 9th?http://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/19/will-the-beatles-library-finally-arrive-in-itunes-september-9th/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/19/will-the-beatles-library-finally-arrive-in-itunes-september-9th/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/19/will-the-beatles-library-finally-arrive-in-itunes-september-9th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

As intrepid TUAW reporter Mike Schramm told you a few days ago, Apple has an event planned for September 9, 2009. Pundits are expecting the event to be the usual Apple fall event where the new line of iPods will be announced, but there's something else happening on September 9th that could herald the long-awaited arrival of The Beatles in the iTunes Store.

The Official Beatles Shop website is showing 9/9/09 as the release date for new, digitally remastered versions of the entire Beatles library. That's also the day that The Beatles: Rock Band is released. What better way for Apple to finally bring Apple Corps into the digital age than to give the Fab Four a home in iTunes?

Of course, the Beatles and Apple, Inc. have had a tumultuous legal history, and recently George Harrison's son Dhani Harrison was quoted in Blender as saying he didn't feel that the iTunes Store's per-song charge was a fair price for Beatles songs. He also mentioned that the remaining members of The Beatles were looking into creating their own website for digital downloads. Given the shaky history of most Beatles business ventures, I wouldn't give that comment a second thought.

Just last month, Sir Paul McCartney told the Guardian that in terms of the Beatles library appearing in iTunes, "The last word I got back was it's stalled at the whole moment, the whole process... I really hope it will happen because I think it should."

Frankly, I think the music world and Apple both need a little magic right now, so I'm hoping to see Steve Jobs, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Dhani Harrison, and Julian Lennon on stage together on September 9th. That would be even better than an announcement of a Mac tablet.

Will the Beatles library finally arrive in iTunes September 9th? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Will the Beatles library finally arrive in iTunes September 9th? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>appleapple corpsapple eventAppleCorpsAppleEventbeatlesitunesitunes storeItunesStoreSteven SandeWed, 19 Aug 2009 12:00:00 ESTIncredible: Apple responsible for 25% of US music saleshttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/19/incredible-apple-responsible-for-25-of-us-music-sales/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/19/incredible-apple-responsible-for-25-of-us-music-sales/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/19/incredible-apple-responsible-for-25-of-us-music-sales/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The NPD Group has released amazing numbers this week: Apple is generating one quarter of all US music sales. Equally impressive, but less surprising, is that Apple is also responsible for 69% of all online music sales.

Wal-Mart is #2 for US music sales at 14% (that's a combination of both their online and CD sales) and Best Buy is third. Speaking of CDs, the aging format is still the overall top seller in the US and Wal-Mart is the top CD distributor. However, NPD expects that Apple's sales will equal that of CDs by 2010.

I know it's impossible to say what I'm about to without sounding like a grumpy old man, but here it comes anyway. For me, the tremendous thing isn't that Apple has commandeered the market so handily, it is the rate at which the distribution model has evolved. I'm only 38 years old, but as a kid I had a box of records. By the time I was in junior high school I was buying cassettes and in college I bought CDs.

Today, I can't remember the exact last time I bought music in a format I could physically hold in my hands. I'm glad the big wigs in the music industry are starting to get it. Now if only the TV execs would follow suit.

Incredible: Apple responsible for 25% of US music sales originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Incredible: Apple responsible for 25% of US music sales originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>best buyBestBuyitmsitunesitunes music storeItunesMusicStoremusic salesMusicSalesonline musicOnlineMusicwal-martDave CaoloWed, 19 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST¡Tunes! Mexico iTunes store now open for shoppinghttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/04/tunes-mexico-itunes-store-now-open-for-shopping/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/04/tunes-mexico-itunes-store-now-open-for-shopping/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/04/tunes-mexico-itunes-store-now-open-for-shopping/#commentsFiled under:

My how you've grown, iTunes! Mexico now has its own iTunes store, giving our neighbors to the south the ability to download their favorite music, videos and iPhone/iPod touch apps.

It seems like it was just yesterday that Dr. Dre, Mick Jagger and Bono welcomed you into this world via iChat with Steve Jobs at an April 2003 special event. Now a little over 6 and a half years old, you've grown from what originally was United States-only operation to now include 77 countries.

You've morphed from what music executives privately said was "an experiment, which could be expanded if [proven] successful," to a juggernaut in the music market; at the time of its launch, music executives felt that Apple's small market share provided them less risk. And expanded it did: the iTunes "music store" is now the "iTunes store," with over 8 billion songs purchased and 1.5 billion apps downloaded.

Most songs in the iTunes Store in Mexico are priced at 12 pesos (a little over 90 U.S. cents as of August 4, 2009), and most albums at 120 pesos ($9.15 as of August 4, 2009).

To our friends to the south, mi iTunes store es su iTunes store!

(Note: the app store has been available in Mexico since its launch in July 2008)

¡Tunes! Mexico iTunes store now open for shopping originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)¡Tunes! Mexico iTunes store now open for shopping originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>itunesitunes storeItunesStoremexicoworldSang TangTue, 04 Aug 2009 13:45:00 ESTComplete Yale courses now on iTunes Uhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/17/complete-yale-courses-now-on-itunes-u/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/17/complete-yale-courses-now-on-itunes-u/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/17/complete-yale-courses-now-on-itunes-u/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

What a great opportunity to brush up on controversies in Astrophysics, Game Theory, or France since 1871. Apple and Yale University have partnered to bring complete Yale courses to iTunes U and they are free for the clicking.

Apple was already offering significant quantities of lectures and interviews from Yale, but now complete courses are being offered for free. For now, there are 13 complete courses online, one subject area is composed of about 40-50 separate podcasts. That's a lot of information and precious knowledge.

If learning about the American Novel since 1945, or Biomedical Engineering is your thing, click right on over. There is probably something on the list you'll find interesting, to say nothing of the many great lectures.

The twists and turns of the digital revolution have been breathtaking to watch. From my home, an office, sitting at an airport, or riding along in a car, bus, plane or train I can take my favorite music, movies, or listen to experts relate the latest discoveries about Black Holes of the history of Psychology. What a world.

Complete Yale courses now on iTunes U originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Complete Yale courses now on iTunes U originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>collegeeducationfreeiTunes UYale UniversityMel MartinFri, 17 Jul 2009 13:00:00 EST