14 DAY TRIAL // Apple is seeding iTunes 10.5 beta 8 to developers, delivering several bug fixes and performance updates for iTunes Match beta users and the ability to back up to iCloud from iTunes. iWork for iOS beta 3 and Apple TV Software beta 6 are also available for download from Apple’s Dev Center.
According to the release notes offered by Apple, iTunes 10.5 beta 8 is a required update for all subscribers to iTunes Match beta. The update also includes several performance enhancements and bug fixes.
The Mac maker informs that iCloud libraries will be deleted at the end of this beta, advising devs to backup regularly as well as to keep the music they add to iCloud from their computer.
“Apple may periodically delete all iCloud libraries during the beta period. This will require you to scan,match, and upload songs again. Also note that some of the features and optimizations of iTunes Match may not be available during this beta,” reads the change log.
Developers can use iTunes Match on up to 10 computers and iOS devices, up to five of which can be computers authorized with their Apple ID.
Since this is all beta software, there is a list of known issues posted as well.
For example, songs in unsupported formats will not be uploaded to iCloud at this time. When it’s released to the public, the service promises to read multiple formats and serve up the best version to the customer.
The scan & match feature is not yet complete either. Apple notes that some songs may not match (even if they are available in the iTunes Store) and will be uploaded to iCloud.
There’s also the problem of other songs matching to a different version of the same song on the iTunes Store.
Testers looking to subscribe to iTunes Match can do so using iTunes 10.5 beta 8 on their Mac - not on a Windows computer, and not on an iOS device at this time.
Devs who have updated to iOS 5 beta 7 may see that their music will fail to play. Apple advises to turn off iTunes Match in Settings > Music, then turn it back on, if this happens
iWork for iOS beta 3 is a pre-release version of iOS beta apps, whereas Apple TV Software beta 6 is a pre-release version of Apple TV (2nd generation) Software to be used for testing AirPlay with iOS 5 apps.
Visit Apple here to download iTunes 10.5 beta 8 (Mac only), iWork for iOS beta 3, and Apple TV Software beta 6.