Only five weeks after the company released iTunes 5, Apple today announced the availability of iTunes 6. This version works hand in hand with the
new video iPod by offering a decent amount of video content for purchase, including the "breakthrough" availability of popular ABC TV shows
Desperate Housewives, Lost, and
Night Stalker, as well as Disney Channel favorites
That's So Raven and
The Suite Life of Zack and Cody. This landmark deal between Apple and Disney (which owns ABC) will allow iTunes users to download not only every episode from last year's season but also commercial-free episodes from the current season the day after it airs. TV shows will be available for $1.99 each--a fact that garnered applause at the media event.
There are other new features in iTunes 6, including gifting, which allows users to purchase and send friends songs, albums, playlists, and even videos; customer reviews and ratings; Just for You, which provides a personalized page of content based on your musical preferences; and of course, a more refined video section, with searches and access to "legal" content such as music videos, trailers, TV shows, and your own footage. For more information, check out our First Take.