iTunes 9
iTunes 9 just hit “shelves” today and as with all other iTunes major releases it looks like it has some nice new added features. I know there are a lot of iTunes users out there who are tired of updating iTunes once a week, especially since it requires a complete reinstall of the application instead of just an update or patch, involving everything from re-signing the user agreement to having to delete your old iTunes icon from your quicklaunch toolbar and add the new one (when will they fix this?) If you are one of the people I’m talking about and you have been putting off updating iTunes, now is the time to do so.
The first thing I noticed was the new look, which you can see in the screenshot above. It is a very subtle change, but you can see it in the gradient in the top toolbar, the volume control, and lots of other not-so-obvious places. The average user won’t notice that anything has changed, they will simply experience the great usability of the application and accomplish the tasks they need. I find that’s how Apple designs all of their products, and as a design guru and user-interface designer, I greatly appreciate it.
When you first load iTunes 9 you are presented with a “Welcome to iTunes” companion application that clearly details all of the new features using video tutorials (quite good ones). Take time to watch at least the first one called “Getting Started with iTunes 9″ because it describes the features mentioned in this post in further detail and shows you how to access them.
One major addition is “Home Share”, which allows you to share your library with other computers on your home network. Really share it, not just play it. Even though I’m adamantly against DRM, namely the way Apple utilizes it with their m4p music files, I continue to use iTunes due to the usability (iTunes), hardware (iPods & iTouches), and expansive song collection (iTunes Store). I don’t often download songs from the iTunes Store because I prefer to have the physical album in my hand – liner notes and all – but I do import all of my albums into iTunes and load them onto my 120gb iPod. The Home Share feature will make it easier to do it because I can be on my laptop or my desktop and have access to all my songs, rather than having to transfer my entire library onto an external harddrive, tote the harddrive to the other computer, and transfer them all onto the computer’s harddrive.
There are various other enhancements, such as the Genius Mixes feature, some new display options (like quickly showing album artwork in list view), and a brand new layout for the iTunes Store:
I remember the days of Windows Media Player. I tried to hang onto that beast as long as I could, but in the end iTunes just completely blew it away functionality-wise. I don’t even remember how to load Windows Media Player. What version is it on? Is it even still installed on my computer?
September 24th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
It's version 11. I use it to rip physical CDs. It's nearly worthless besides that. I remember a few years ago when they tried to match it up with some store but I think that failed miserably.
I use iTunes exclusively for the podcast functionality. There is a ton of VERY good free fiction in podcast form, as well as every other subject under the sun. I go so far as to uninstall the device discovery programs itunes sneaks in with the install, as well as stopping and turning off all the useless services itunes tries to run in the background.
As far as music, I've been using Songbird and Doubletwist. Both are nice, Doubletwist looks a bit like iTunes.
October 7th, 2009 at 2:05 pm
This latest spat does nothing good for iTunes, nor does any controversy that raises the possibility of iTunes alternatives. However, consumers have demonstrated a high level of path dependence, so iTunes will continue to reign. It just won't be (as it isn't now) the first choice of saavy users seeking flexibility and user control.
October 13th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
the new ipodtouch/3gen is worse than the 1st gen thats the worst where the heck is the frikkin '''cheap to add'''' 3 mpxl camera……………..
October 15th, 2009 at 11:42 am
It's great software to transfer the data between iPod, iPhone to computer..
December 4th, 2009 at 10:51 am
Apple's iTunes 9 software is a multimedia powerhouse with tons of options for organizing your digital media library and an integrated download store with an unrivaled selection of music, movies, TV shows, and more.