Today Apple released the most significant update to it’s iTunes software since the introduction of the Music Store in 2001. There are a number of incredible improvements and features, not the least of which includes a brand new iTunes Movie Store which allows users to download movies for playback on any device.
Even though the look of iTunes didn’t change dramatically in version 7, the feature set sure does. Now included in the sidebar are separated areas of content starting with greater control over your media library. The sections are broken down into Music, Movies, TV Shows, Podcasts, iPod Games and Radio. Below that you will find the Store and Devices sections giving you access to the iTunes store, purchased media and your devices. Last but not least are your Playlists.
One of the sexiest features of the new iTunes 7 software is the ability to change views. The standard list view is still there, but now there are two more options: list and cover view. List view shows all of your albums with album art in a list view similar to how your files are organized in Finder providing a fantastic top level view for of your music, podcasts and videos. The third view option is the cover browser view. This allows you to smoothly scroll through all of your artwork and find what you’re looking for by album cover (similar to flipping through your physical CD except much cooler). And not to worry, if you don’t have the album art from all of the music you’ve “ripped from CD”, Apple is giving you access to their album art database so that you can make the most of this new feature.
With the addition of movies to the iTunes store, Apple’s hold on your digital media life is getting stronger and stronger. With quality software and extremely competitive pricing, Apple has set itself up for another digital hit!
