iTunes 11 minor update brings back duplicate finder

Apple this afternoon pushed out its first update to iTunes 11, restoring a useful feature that was removed from the previous version.

iTunes 11.0.1, which went out as a free update to users today, brings back the built-in tool to find duplicate songs, one of the seven features CNET highlighted as missing in the jump from Apple's last major iTunes release.

The update also fixes an issue that kept purchased items from showing up in the library if Apple's paid iTunes Match subscription service was enabled, along with an issue that kept the AirPlay icon from showing up.

Here's the gist from the change log:

This update to the new iTunes addresses an issue where new purchases in iCloud may not appear in your library if iTunes Match is turned on, makes iTunes more responsive when searching a large library, fixes a problem where the AirPlay button may not appear as expected, and adds the ability to display duplicate items within your library. This update also includes other important stability and performance improvements.

And the de-duper in action:

Apple rolled out iTunes 11 at the very end of November after demoing the software at a press event in September. The software's headlining feature is a visual redesign that takes a cue or two from Apple's iOS software, with a focus on large album covers that can expand to show you songs -- those in your library, as well as tracks from Apple's iTunes Music Store.

Other features in iTunes 11 include deeper integration with Apple's iCloud service, a new "Up Next" song feature, redesigned storefronts, and a revamped mini player that lets you search for songs, albums, and artists without going back to the full view.

Word that Apple planned to bring back the removed dupe feature was embedded in a review of the software earlier this month.

Read CNET's review of iTunes 11 right here.