Apple iTunes 6
Apple wouldn't dream of releasing a video-capable iPod without providing the perfect software to go with it. Find out how iTunes 6 is designed to help you make the most of the new iPod.
Amid the typically frenzied media buzz that surrounds an Apple announcement, Steve Jobs trotted out an array of media-heavy products, including the "new" iPod, a video-capable device with a 2.5-inch color TFT display. Of course, far be it for Apple to release hardware without complementary software. To that end, Jobs announced iTunes 6--a mere five weeks after releasing version 5. Among other features, iTunes 6 seamlessly integrates video content into the store and interface. Download iTunes for free from Download.com.
Upside: That's right, iTunes now sells a selection of totally legal, hassle-free (read: no messy encoding required) video content that you can watch on your computer or your video iPod. At launch, the store offered more than 2,000 music videos, as well as six short films from Pixar Animation, all of which cost $1.99 apiece. In addition--and to the surprise of event attendees--Apple has reached a deal with Disney to offer five TV shows currently aired on ABC and the Disney Channel: Desperate Housewives, Lost, Night Stalker, That's So Raven, and The Suite Life of Zack and Cody. The catalog includes episodes from previous seasons and the current lineup; better yet, you can purchase new episodes the morning after they air. For the privilege of owning an episode, you need only plunk down a reasonable $1.99; this tidbit drew raucous applause and cheering from the audience. Usage rules for purchased video are similar to those for audio: You own the content, can play it on up to five computers, and can transfer it to unlimited iPods. However, you can't burn the videos to DVD.
In addition to video content, Apple has apparently responded to consumer demand and added features to iTunes 6 that make the program even more immersive than it already is. The iTunes Store now offers a new gifting option that allows users to purchase specific songs, albums, or music videos and send them to anyone with an e-mail address. The content then belongs to that person just as if they had purchased it themselves. Additionally, iTunes now allows users to post reviews of songs and albums within the online interface, so you can read them before making your purchasing decision. Finally, there's a Just For You section that offers personalized recommendations based on your past choices (this feature is currently in beta).
Downside: Where are the full-length feature films? Although watching a 90- to 120-minute movie on a 2.5-inch screen isn't ideal, it'd be nice to see some Hollywood blockbusters in the iTunes library. It could be only a matter of time, though. The previous version of iTunes, released just five weeks before this one, was rife with problems, especially for Windows users. We're hoping all issues are solved for the latest release. Finally, we'd like to be able to burn the video content to DVD, even with a one-time-only restriction; then you could watch it on your TV, which most likely has a larger screen than your computer.
Outlook: iTunes was already a favorite media jukebox among critics and casual users alike, and the new video overhaul adds plenty of value to the app, especially when it comes to using it with the new iPod. We're anxious to try it out ourselves for an in-depth review. In the meantime, give it a try--it's free!