14 DAY TRIAL // While yesterday iTunes 9.1 was just a rumor, today, the free software update is available from Apple’s Support Downloads section for both Mac and Windows users. As expected, the new version adds iPad support, to sync movies, music books and more, a feature to organize and sync books downloaded from the iBookstore, as well as some security fixes. Read on for the full scoop.
“iTunes 9.1 comes with several new features and improvements,” Apple stresses on its website, continuing with enumerating said changes:
- Sync with iPad to enjoy your favorite music, movies, TV shows, books and more on the go; - Organize and sync books you've downloaded from iBooks on iPad or added to your iTunes library; - Rename, rearrange, or remove Genius Mixes.
Apple doesn’t mention the rumored support to automatically convert songs to 128-bit AAC, and other details leaked by MacRumors’ source, although the rumor has proven mostly true. One thing the rumor didn’t say was that the update would pack a large number of security fixes, something that can’t be considered typical for iTunes updates. Apple directs users to one of its recently posted Support articles, which details the security content of iTunes 9.1.
Technote HT1222 reveals that the new version of iTunes patches a total of seven holes, most of which affected Windows users only. One vulnerability available for both Mac OS X and Windows versions of iTunes is importing a maliciously crafted MP4 file, which may lead to a denial of service.
Available for Mac OS X v10.4.11 or later, Mac OS X Server v10.4.11 or later, Windows 7, Vista, and XP, “An infinite loop issue exists in the handling of MP4 files,” Apple explains on the Support area of its website. “A maliciously crafted podcast may be able to cause an infinite loop in iTunes, and prevent its operation even after it is relaunched,” the Mac maker further outlines. “This issue is addressed through improved validation of MP4 files,” the bug’s description reveals, with Apple crediting Sojeong Hong of Sourcefire VRT for discovering this particular problem with the media player.
Released on all supported platforms (including 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Microsoft’s Windows operating system), iTunes 9.1 can be obtained using the download links below.