Palm Feeling The Heat From Apple’s Warning
Since Apple’s statement of “iTunes: About unsupported third-party digital media players”, Palm is feeling the heat from letting the Palm Pre sync with iTunes. Palm Pre users will soon loose the capability of syncing with iTunes once Apple update the software.
Here is Palm’s response to Apple’s threat: Palm’s media sync works with the current version of iTunes. If Apple chooses to disable media sync in a future version of iTunes, it will be a direct blow to their users who will be deprived of a seamless synchronization experience. However, people will have options. They can stay with the iTunes version that works to sync their music on their Pre, they can transfer the music via USB, and there are other third-party applications we could consider.
Apple Will Break Palm Pre’s iTunes Sync Capability
Palm execs have been parading the Pre’s ability to sync with iTunes. Their fun will end soon after Apple released a statement through their support website titled “iTunes: About unsupported third-party digital media players”. Although the article is not directed at Palm, you can just read between the lines who they are aiming at. The next iTunes update will break the syncing ability of iTunes to Palm Pre.
From Apple:
Apple designs the hardware and software to provide seamless integration of the iPhone and iPod with iTunes, the iTunes Store, and tens of thousands of apps on the App Store. Apple is aware that some third-parties claim that their digital media players are able to sync with Apple software. However, Apple does not provide support for, or test for compatibility with, non-Apple digital media players and, because software changes over time, newer versions of Apple’s iTunes software may no longer provide syncing functionality with non-Apple digital media players.
Apple Released iTunes 8.2 and QuickTime 7.6.2
Apple has released versions 8.2 of iTunes with support for iPhone 3.0 and 7.6.2 of QuickTime. iPhone 3.0 OS is still in beta and it is said that it will be out by Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco next week. There were several security fixes for QuickTime.
The 60Mb update and can be accessed through Software Update in Mac OS X, and the Apple Updater in Windows.
Apple iTunes 8.1.1 Adds HD Rental Support
Apple has released an upgrade of its iTunes software, adding support for renting high-definition (HD) movies which previously only available to Apple TV. ITunes 8.1.1 also has a few bug fixes, including issues related with VoiceOver and syncing the software with the iPhone and iPod Touch.
The 66MB update requires Mac OS X Leopard, and is available from Apple’s Web site or via Software Update. Update also available for Windows XP/Vista in 32-bit and 64-bit flavours.
Apple iTunes Price Hikes Commences April 7
Tiered iTunes pricing will come into affect commencing April 7. Some popular songs will go up 30 cents, while some will go down 30 cents and some will remain the same. So hot singles will now sell for $1.29 instead of current $0.99.
This was reported in Apple’s press release in January but not the commencement date.
Apple iTunes Music Store Going DRM-Free
Apple has announced during the keynote speech of MacWorld 2009, that all songs from the iTunes Store will be DRM-Free (AAC Format) and users can download songs directly onto iPhone 3G Over Their 3G Network for the same price.
In April 2009, songs on iTunes will be available at three price points, tracks will cost 69 cents, 99 cents, or $1.29. No further details given to these price structure. 8 million of the 10 million tracks will be available DRM free now on iTunes Plus. The rest will come later. Amazon has already offered DRM-free mp3 songs over a year ago.
Read the full press release after the jump.
Apple iTunes 8
Apple has announced iTunes 8 which includes new feature such as the Genius feature, which lets you automatically create playlists from songs in your music library that go great together with just one click. The Genius sidebar displays songs from the iTunes Store that go great with it. Other new features are Grid View, purchas HD TV Shows, enhanced accessibility, new visualiser and more.
Source: Apple Announces iTunes 8
Apple iPhone Remote
You will find this iPhone App in the iTunes store now. It is free and it will let you control your iTunes on your regular iPhone/iPod Touch player. The remote control uses Wi-fi network to access your computer iTunes. You will need to download the latest iTunes 7.7 to get this feature.
Apple Sells Movies On DVD Release Date
Apple iTunes Store is now selling new movie releases from major studios and independent film companies on the same day as their DVD releases.
Eddy Cue, Apple’s vice president of iTunes said, “We’re thrilled to bring iTunes Store customers new films for purchase day-and-date with the DVD release. We think movie fans will love being able to buy their favorites from major and independent studios.”
Source: Apple Press Release
