14 DAY TRIAL // A new Apple knowledge base document outlines the main aspects regarding signing up for an iTunes account, browsing the App Store for games and apps, compatible devices, and more. Those owning an iPhone, iPod touch, iPhone 3G, iPod touch 2G, or those using the iTunes Store or iTunes 8 for Mac or Windows are encouraged to read on.
According to the company behind the Mac operating system, “The App Store is a place where you can download new applications for your iPhone or iPod touch. You can browse the App Store on your computer with iTunes, or by tapping App Store on your iPhone or iPod touch.” While it's generally easy to start using the App Store and the products (apps) available on it, some may have trouble finding the actual venue in iTunes, for instance.
As Apple indicates, “You can find the App Store inside the iTunes Store. Click iTunes Store on the left hand side of the iTunes window. Then click the App Store link on the left side of the iTunes Store window. You can use the iTunes Store to download music, movies, TV Shows, and more (availability of certain types of media does vary by country). To change countries, scroll to the end of the iTunes Store home page and choose the name of your country.”
Some may also wonder where exactly they need to sign up for an account to shop in the App Store. Basically, “if you already have an iTunes Store account, you can [immediately] shop the App Store,” Apple says. However, those who don't yet have an iTunes Store account can create one using iTunes. Here's how:
“Verify that 'My Store' at the bottom of the iTunes Store home page displays your country, then choose Store > Create Account. Click here for a way to setup an iTunes App Store account without a credit card.” Easy as pie!
Along with the release of the App Store last year, Apple focused advertising the available apps as “for iPhone,” although their great majority work on the iPod touch as well. Some apps in iTunes (not the App Store) also work on smaller iPods, such as the iPod nano (3rd generation), iPod nano (4th generation), iPod classic, and iPod (5th generation). So, if you're asking, “Can I use applications on my iPod?” yes you can, but there's stuff to be known here, too.
“In general, applications are compatible with iPod touch and iPhone,” Apple points out. However, games found in the iPod Games section, separate from the App Store, are only compatible with the above-mentioned iPod models, spanning all versions of the nano and classic. Apple also asks users to make sure they carefully review the Requirements section for each application prior to purchase - some iPods may not be compatible with some games, due to hardware limitations.
The FAQ also outlines options during usage of an app, such as playing music on your device while an app is running (yes, you can) or, if you get bored of an app and need some spare space, how to delete it properly.
Head over to Apple's Support section here for the full scoop. It generally doesn't hurt to know more stuff.