14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has released version 8.1 of iTunes for Mac and Windows, adding compatibility with the newly released iPod shuffle, as well as other enhancements and bug fixes. The update also addresses a couple of security issues on both platforms, one of which is Windows-specific. The security side of the update will be detailed in a separate article.
According to Apple's Support section, iTunes 8.1 is now faster and more responsive. “You will enjoy noticeable improvements when working with large libraries, browsing the iTunes Store, preparing to sync with iPod or iPhone, and optimizing photos for syncing,” the company explains. “In addition, iTunes 8.1 provides many other improvements and bug fixes,” says Apple. Those include:
- Supports syncing with iPod shuffle (3rd generation). - Allows friends to request songs for iTunes DJ. - Adds Genius sidebar for your Movies and TV Shows. - Improves performance when downloading iTunes Plus songs. - Provides AutoFill for manually managed iPods. - Allows CDs to be imported at the same sound quality as iTunes Plus. - Includes many accessibility improvements. - Allows iTunes U and the iTunes Store to be disabled separately using Parental Controls.
On the Mac side, system requirements are Mac OS X 10.4.10 or later, while Windows users need XP SP2 or Vista to run iTunes 8.1. The download supports Deutsch, English, Français, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Español, Italiano, Nederlands, Dansk, Norsk Bokmål, Polski, Português, Pусский, Suomi, Svensk, Japanese, etc.
As revealed in the release notes for iTunes 8.1 for Mac and Windows, the fresh version of the digital media player supports syncing with iPod shuffle 3rd generation. As you may have heard, Apple released a new iPod yesterday that is able to 'talk.' While the device cannot carry a conversation with the user, it can speak out the names of the tracks and playlists stored on its flash memory, using the VoiceOver feature also present in Mac OS X.
Use the links below to download the latest version of iTunes for both Mac and PC, or go here to learn more on the third generation shuffle.