Apple readying iTunes 4.8
A new version of Apple's iTunes software will reportedly boast security enhancements and handle the syncing of user contacts and calendars to and from iPods.
Apple Computer in the coming weeks is expected to introduce a new version of its iTunes jukebox software for both the Mac and PC.
The new version will pack a maintenance and security update and may also contain added support for a new wave of international music stores, now seemingly overdue.
Additionally, company documents indicate that iTunes 4.8 will take over the responsibilities of transferring contacts and calendars to a user's iPod. Previously these functions were handled by Apple's iSync application.
According to sources, the software could debut as early as the first week of May.
Apple Computer in the coming weeks is expected to introduce a new version of its iTunes jukebox software for both the Mac and PC.
The new version will pack a maintenance and security update and may also contain added support for a new wave of international music stores, now seemingly overdue.
Additionally, company documents indicate that iTunes 4.8 will take over the responsibilities of transferring contacts and calendars to a user's iPod. Previously these functions were handled by Apple's iSync application.
According to sources, the software could debut as early as the first week of May.
Comments
Looking forward to iTunes 5.0
I'm sitting here waiting for QT7 for my PCs. I know that once it's ready for PC the launch of iTunes 5.0 can commence based on QT7. I just have a feeling actually. It makes sense to have a more robust QT in which to build the functionality of iTunes on.
The iPod offering some non-music "Extras" like calendars could be considered odd--but it's very useful.
And if the iPod does these other things, then it's really nice to have them all handled by one app instead of many.
So having iTunes synch calendars/contacts is no more odd than HAVING calendar/contacts on your iPod.
This is just making iTunes support the iPod better.
Originally posted by rok
wait, so info management along with photos will be handled under itunes? doesn't this strike anyone else as odd? or is itunes truly the trojan horse that gets apple under every pc user's nose out there, managing everything under the sun. gosh, now there'd be a trick...
I agree. It struck me odd when iTunes gained the ability to sync Photos, but they're stuck with a quandry... what to do on the Windows platform. It's easier to deliver one application for all the functionality, than separate apps (ie. iSync).
I really like the iSync application, but with Tiger having tighter sync integration, a separate application has become unnecessary.
Maybe this calls for an "iPod Manager" application from Apple that can better separates music tasks from sync tasks, and it could also handle automatic updates for the iPod.
Originally posted by coolfactor
I agree. It struck me odd when iTunes gained the ability to sync Photos, but they're stuck with a quandry... what to do on the Windows platform. It's easier to deliver one application for all the functionality, than separate apps (ie. iSync).
I really like the iSync application, but with Tiger having tighter sync integration, a separate application has become unnecessary.
Maybe this calls for an "iPod Manager" application from Apple that can better separates music tasks from sync tasks, and it could also handle automatic updates for the iPod.
A little of both: iSync will effectively become a master application and then an iPod Manager (i.e. iTunes) will be responsible for syncing with iPods in the same way that a buried under the hood version of Missing Sync will handle PDAs and suchlike.
If Apple - or third-party Windows developers - choose to pick up the gauntlet, we could see Outlook calendar and contact integration with the iPod which would be an "arrow to the heart" to PocketPC sales in SME/corporate markets.
Yours truly. 8)
but what I really want is Folders for playlists, that'd be great!
and
THE ABILITY TO SYNCH LIBRARIES ACROSS DIFFERENT AUTHORIZED COMPUTERS!
I just wanted to yell in the hope that apple will hear me...
..alas,
Originally posted by wgauvin
Perhaps the infamous 'Australian iTMS' will be launched at the same time. One can dream can't they?
i think an aussie iTMS would be fab. personally though i am dreading it. my new ANZ credit card is on its way (old one expired) and i will be cutting it up soon too if iTMS store opens...
after a much discipline life i succumbed to credit card excess
i'll be saying 5 million hail marys for years to come
Policing policies can polish my Polish poker.
Originally posted by AppleInsider
The new version will pack a maintenance and security update
I have to agree wiht a poster at digg.com , where is the security hole in iTunes or iTMS, Digital restriction managment lockdown and reducing utility to the consumer even further is NOT a security enhancement, period.
and furthermore, iTMS is nothing more than a catch for ipod n00bs so long as you get a stinkin' 128k file
Originally posted by a_greer
I have to agree wiht a poster at digg.com , where is the security hole in iTunes or iTMS, Digital restriction managment lockdown and reducing utility to the consumer even further is NOT a security enhancement, period.
and furthermore, iTMS is mothing more than a catch for ipod n00bs so long as you get a stinkin' 128k file
a stinkin' 128k AAC file, IIRC
Originally posted by sunilraman
a stinkin' 128k AAC file, IIRC
I dont care what the codex is, no codec really sounds superb at 128k - At~$0.97 a song on an alblum, I want CD quality, This is a little cheaper than a CD ctore but not by much, and they have lower overhead - no physical media to print, all they need is a few racks of servers and raids and a couple OC3 lines that is nothing compared to the overhead of the brick and morter CD store or chain
I want CD quality,
No such thing. CD quality is simply 16-bit 44.1 kill o'hurts. I've had plenty a CD that sounds like total shiza. I've also had CD that sound grrrrrrrrrrrrreat. It's all in the tracking, engineering and mastering. While I don't have my AAC playing through tower Dunleavy I think they sound fine for the masses. Audiophiles are accustomed to paying more for their music and thus would be getting the CD or the DVD-Audio/SACD or, if you're lucky, the Vinyl.
I would like to see maybe variable bit recording and HE-AAC.
Originally posted by hmurchison
No such thing. CD quality is simply 16-bit 44.1 kill o'hurts. I've had plenty a CD that sounds like total shiza. I've also had CD that sound grrrrrrrrrrrrreat. It's all in the tracking, engineering and mastering. While I don't have my AAC playing through tower Dunleavy I think they sound fine for the masses. Audiophiles are accustomed to paying more for their music and thus would be getting the CD or the DVD-Audio/SACD or, if you're lucky, the Vinyl.
I would like to see maybe variable bit recording and HE-AAC.
when i had cash to blow about a year and a half ago it was awesome listening to Trance dance music on vinyl....