Apple unveils browser-based iTunes Preview
Apple has updated links generated via iTunes to direct to a Web site called iTunes Preview, which gives customers the option to view content without launching the application.
Links to an iTunes Preview page can be obtained through the iTunes Store "Copy Link" feature. Previously, users who did not have iTunes installed were prompted to do so in order to view content. Now, users can share music links via iTunes without the need to launch Apple's media suite.
The iTunes Preview page allows browsing of artists and albums on Apple's Web site. Artist biographies and similar acts can be viewed, as well as details on song prices and individual track lengths.
The new Web page also offers album reviews and customer reviews, just like is provided in the iTunes application. Content can also be browsed by genre.
Song previews, however, can not be listened to through iTunes Preview in a Web browser. The page offers links to "View in iTunes," where it can be previewed or purchased. Currently, the service only works with music.
iTunes Preview is region-less, and makes for a less intrusive option for those who do not have iTunes installed, or do not want to launch the application.
In September, Apple released iTunes 9, adding iPhone application management, iTunes LPs, and a redesigned iTunes Store. The layout update includes new artist, movie and TV pages, complete with improved navigation.
In October, Apple updated iTunes to version 9.0.2 to allow connectivity with the newly released Apple TV 3.0. Users can now view iTunes LP and iTunes Extras content via their Apple TV.
Links to an iTunes Preview page can be obtained through the iTunes Store "Copy Link" feature. Previously, users who did not have iTunes installed were prompted to do so in order to view content. Now, users can share music links via iTunes without the need to launch Apple's media suite.
The iTunes Preview page allows browsing of artists and albums on Apple's Web site. Artist biographies and similar acts can be viewed, as well as details on song prices and individual track lengths.
The new Web page also offers album reviews and customer reviews, just like is provided in the iTunes application. Content can also be browsed by genre.
Song previews, however, can not be listened to through iTunes Preview in a Web browser. The page offers links to "View in iTunes," where it can be previewed or purchased. Currently, the service only works with music.
iTunes Preview is region-less, and makes for a less intrusive option for those who do not have iTunes installed, or do not want to launch the application.
In September, Apple released iTunes 9, adding iPhone application management, iTunes LPs, and a redesigned iTunes Store. The layout update includes new artist, movie and TV pages, complete with improved navigation.
In October, Apple updated iTunes to version 9.0.2 to allow connectivity with the newly released Apple TV 3.0. Users can now view iTunes LP and iTunes Extras content via their Apple TV.
Comments
Apple Forever!!
If it is just me can someone provide an alternative link? Thanks.
Edit : Seems to be fixed now.
Is it just me or is the image provided by AI in the article down?
If it is just me can someone provide an alternative link? Thanks.
Just you.
http://images.macworld.com/images/ne...w_original.png
they going to block Palm from their site?
Just you.
http://images.macworld.com/images/ne...w_original.png
Thanks, mate.
A tad pointless, who doesn't have iTunes? Seriously, those that don't would never buy from the service so whats the point?
Maybe they have an idea that's going to build on it, but they're not ready to show their hand yet?
They might not need itunes at that time.
Wonder if you can download media from the web version. If so how are
they going to block Palm from their site?
Unless I'm missing your sarcasm. It's the syncing that Apple took issue with, not the use of the songs iTunes holds.
A tad pointless, who doesn't have iTunes? Seriously, those that don't would never buy from the service so whats the point?
Not everyone likes having iTunes launch just because they clicked a link. The time it takes to load up generally means I don't bother looking at whatever was linked. I just move on.
I wouldn't be surprised if Apple makes the iTunes store more and more web-based -- eventually adding in-browser sampling and purchasing. There'd be little point in switching to html5 within iTunes if they weren't moving this way.
Now, users can share music links via iTunes without the need to launch Apple's media suite.
Does this mean that iTunes users can share access to their content with others (i.e. something like iWork.com)?
A tad pointless, who doesn't have iTunes? Seriously, those that don't would never buy from the service so whats the point?
There are lots of "points" if you think about it. Some are even mentioned in the article itself, which you apparently didn't read.
Yup pointless, unless there is some future developments to this story that we don't know about, having a list of songs on line, which you have to launch itunes to prview (and purchase?) is just silly. They could be trying to compete with amazon's MP3 service, but I still think it is way easier to just launch itunes, than navigate to a website and have limited functionality.
This is all true if you are an American living in the USA with iTunes already installed. If you think about it a bit more you might see that this description doesn't cover everyone.
There are lots of "points" if you think about it. Some are even mentioned in the article itself, which you apparently didn't read.
Actually I did read the article, I can see no benefit in this at all. To purchase/listen or interact with the content in anyway you need to launch iTunes.
I am sorry, but apart from the fact that you could potentially follow an iTunes link without opening the application (and once again cannot even listen or "preview" the track or moive etc containted within said link) I stick by my comment, I do not see the point of this.
No one who does not already have iTunes on their PC/Mac would have any need of this.
If you feel I am wrong then highlight some reasons that I am.
Yup pointless, unless there is some future developments to this story that we don't know about, having a list of songs on line, which you have to launch itunes to prview (and purchase?) is just silly. They could be trying to compete with amazon's MP3 service, but I still think it is way easier to just launch itunes, than navigate to a website and have limited functionality.
Comparing the image in the article it looks like they are trying to compete with someone else. I think it is fair since we are always bashing Microsoft for copying Mac OS that we shoud point out who is being copied this time. The link below is for the same artist on zune.net
http://social.zune.net/album/Lightni...2a3933/details
This preview hybrid is annoying. Also easier to just go into Amazon and buy a song than open up iTunes just for shopping media.