iTunes 6.0 introduced -- TV shows, music videos, gifts; QuickTime 7.0.3 required

Apple has introduced iTunes 6.0, marking perhaps the quickest turnaround time between major releases of the software (iTunes 5.0 was introduced just over a month ago.)

The new version of iTunes takes advantage of new content in the online iTunes music store, including downloadable music video and short-film content.

It also includes the ability to purchase gifts -- music redeemable and downloadable on another users system.

The biggest news, however, is the ability to download several TV show episodes -- including various offerings from ABC -- for US$ 1.99. With QVGA (320X240) resolution, however, this service may remain somewhat of a novelty outside of viewing on iPod screens. In fact, this functionality may be more of a segue into full-length movies than a viable feature at this point.

One MacFixIt reader writes:

"It's worth it for some people. If i was taking a train to work for a hour a day, I wouldn't mind paying US$ 2 to watch a TV show while riding -- almost the cost of a newspaper."

The new release has not yet appeared in Software Update, though it is available as a standalone download.

UPDATE: iTunes 6.0 requires QuickTime 7.0.3 in order to view music videos and other downloadable video content. However, many users are reporting that they are unable to receive QuickTime 7.0.3 through the Software Update mechanism, as indicated by iTunes.

One reader writes:

"The new iTunes 6.0 says to play video it needs QuickTime 7.03, and none of the previews of the videos on the itunes store are working... I have QuickTime 7.02. Software update does not show an updater to QuickTime 7.03."

QuickTime 7.0.3 is, however, available as a standalone download.

If you are having any problems with the new release, please let us know.

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