Along with the new version of iTunes (8.1), Apple has released Front Row 2.1.7. The fresh software is available for Mac users either through the Software Update mechanism, or via a standalone installer, which they can download right here on our web site.

Apple's Support section reveals that an update to Front Row was necessary to complement the new version of iTunes, which adds support for the new iPod shuffle, as well as other enhancements and security tweaks. From Apple's Support section, the Front Row 2.1.7 description goes:

About Front Row 2.1.7

The Front Row update 2.1.7 provides iTunes 8.1 compatibility.

System requirements include Mac OS X 10.5 or later, QuickTime 7.5.5 or later, iTunes 6.0.4 or later, and iPhoto 6.0.2 or later. The download supports languages including Deutsch, English, Français, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Español, Italiano, Nederlands, Dansk, Norsk Bokmål, Polski, Português, Pусский, Suomi, Svensk, Japanese etc.

As noted above, Mac users can update to Front Row 2.1.7 via one of the two available methods. Users can either fire up Software Update from the Apple menu and choose Front Row 2.1.7 from the list of available updates (iTunes 8.1 should also be there if you haven't yet upgraded), or use the link provided just below to download the standalone installer, launch it and follow the on-screen instructions to manually install the new software.

Download Front Row (Free)

Front Row fans may be aware of a couple of plug-ins that extend the functionality of the media center software for Macintosh computers and Apple TV. Understudy, for instance, enables Mac users to stream video from the likes of Netflix through the Front Row interface of Mac OS X Leopard. While Hulu has dropped support for solutions like Understudy, the software still makes a good asset, as it allows access to streaming video through Front Row, while the user can subscribe to multiple feeds, and select a video to watch. Currently, Understudy only supports Netflix. Understudy is also getting YouTube support this month.

TV Row is another cool piece of software that extends the functionality of Front Row to your TV screen, which pretty much means that you get Apple TV functionality for free. Recently updated to version 2.0.1, TV Row lets you have Front Row on your TV without the fuss of having to re-arrange the displays in preferences. While the app lets you automatically play Front Row on your second monitor or TV, you will be able to set your first display as primary display again with a single mouse click, as soon as you close Front Row. However, don't install TV Row  just knowing that you have a TV set lying around the house. You need it close to your Mac and connected to it!