Yesterday it was just another day for most of us, but Apple took another step forward. The direction? World domination, of course! Well, having only one dominant company in a market isn't healthy at all, and I am sure that won't happen anytime soon if we think about all the battles raging in the IT world.

Apple Computer launched the iTunes Store in New Zealand, allowing the New Zealanders to download local music and, of course, all the international exclusive iTunes tracks and albums. Since iTunes is closely related to other Apple products, the Cupertino-based company also launched the online Apple Store New Zealand, where the entire line of products is available, from iPods and accessories to notebooks, desktop computers and the iLife '06 suite of applications.

"We're thrilled to bring the iTunes Store and the online Apple Store to our customers in New Zealand just in time for the holidays", said Apple's vice president of iTunes, Eddy Cue.

According to iTunes vice president, this store features the largest digital music catalogue in New Zealand, having over two million songs available.

The prices of most songs, videos and albums are 1.79, 3.59 and 17.99NZ$, and the exclusive music available includes tracks by Fat Freddy's Drop, Tim Finn or Bic Runga, as well as extensive catalogues from New Zealand's greats including Shihad, Crowded House or The Black Seeds.

If we were to move in the international music area, the exclusive tunes available here include tracks from immortal names like The Doors, Faithless or George Michael, as well as iTunes Originals from Red Hot Chili Peppers, Blak Eyed Peas or Jack Johnson.

If you don't want to get music but you're looking for Apple hardware or software, you can get anything you want with only a few mouse clicks, including the iPod nano RED Special Edition, which is available only at the new online Apple Store in 4GB and 8GB models and with a battery life that can go up to 24 hours. If you're from New Zealand, I have only one question for you: are you ready to go shopping?