iTunes Announcements?

[MacRumors]

Appleinsider points (http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=435) to this week a a possible one for Apple to make "several music-related announcements" with hints that Apple has been working on major upgrades to iTunes and the iTunes Music Store.

Steve Jobs will be holding a conference call (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2004/04/20040426151732.shtml) tomorrow for the Media to update them on the iTunes Music Store at its first anniversary.

A few major items still on Apple's plate, include the HP iPod and the iTunes Music Store for Europe.

[sonorsven]

Hopefully not an increase in price! $.99 just has a good 'ring' to it, and online music stores like the one at walmart.com is starting to sell songs even cheaper. It would not be a wise move for apple to increase the price. Think iTMS will ever sell Beatles music? :rolleyes:

[sandmann41]

Think iTMS will ever sell Beatles music? :rolleyes:

I don't think that is really apple's decision.

[mechamac]

Well, as of today the Beastie Boys are on the iTMS. Are they on any other competitors yet? Perhaps Steve's one last thing will be a shout out to Mike D.

[valx]

It's "New Music Tuesday" and there's no new music on the ITMS. I think this means some kind of "significant" update for tomorrow.

[cxny]

Maybe we'll be able to sell our Garageband creations...........To the highest bidder!

[JediL1]

There is new music added, click just added on the iTMS homepage.

[Mudbug]

It's "New Music Tuesday" and there's no new music on the ITMS. I think this means some kind of "significant" update for tomorrow.

it often takes a while for the "new music tuesday" to happen...
sometimes in the evening, even.

[RoadKill]

Tomorrow (the 28th) is my birthday. As a nice present i want iTunes UK. I will consider this pay back for last year.

What happened last year I hear you ask?

I bought myself an early birthday present of a 2G 10GB iPod and didn't check rumor sites (I am a recent switcher) then on the 28th, Apple release the 3G iPod and the 15GB was bigger capacity for less of my english pounds than my 10GB one.

Just my luck!!

So come on Apple make my day this year :-)

[jared_kipe]

It said "several music related products", perhaps this is the much anticipated iPod upgrade. Perhaps they will announce it to get us all salivating, and then start shipping at WWDC. That would seem to be the right time given Apple's recent supply delays. But at least this means new software or music. I sure wish I could buy music at a higher bit-rate.

[Trowaman]

c'mon Steve-o, impress me.

Bring any of the following to the store: Dave Matthews, Metallica, Foo Fighters, Linkin Park, or Smashing Pumpkins.

Make me happy.

[Trowaman]

c'mon Syeve-o, impress me.

Bring any of the following to the store: Dave Matthews, Metallica, Foo Fighters, Linkin Park, or Smashing Pumpkins.

Make me happy.

And there are updates and I am a very happy man. Hello Foo Fighters.

[phantompigger]

c'mon Syeve-o, impress me.

Bring any of the following to the store: Dave Matthews, Metallica, Foo Fighters, Linkin Park, or Smashing Pumpkins.

Make me happy.

Well, they added Foo Fighters today. I hope it's a sign of things to come...

pp

[BornAgainMac]

It's "New Music Tuesday" and there's no new music on the ITMS. I think this means some kind of "significant" update for tomorrow.

That is an excellent observation. They never miss a Tuesday. I hope you are right.

[hvfsl]

Maybe they could encode all their music at 48Khz or even 96Khz (24bit) instead of the normal 44khz (CD quality).

All Macs made in the last 5 years should be able to play 48Khz music and all you need is a USB or firewire sound card on the older Macs to play 96Khz music.

[valx]

They may have added some new music, but they haven't done their typical "New Music Tuesday" update. About 10:00 a.m. EST every Tuesday I browse the ITMS. Every Tuesday, they have updated the Home page and all of the Genre pages with new music, new artists picks, new features, etc. This week, all of the pages are exactly the same as they were last week.

[gwangung]

They may have added some new music, but they haven't done their typical "New Music Tuesday" update. About 10:00 a.m. EST every Tuesday I browse the ITMS. Every Tuesday, they have updated the Home page and all of the Genre pages with new music, new artists picks, new features, etc. This week, all of the pages are exactly the same as they were last week.

Hm? I see a ****LOAD of stuff that's been added (largest list in a few months).

[snahabed]

I expect an announcement about iTMS sales that tries to spin the 100-million failure. I am guessing it is around 70 million -- which is great. I don't think missing 100 million is a problem at all, but we all know that's how cnet and the like will headline their articles.

I expect an announcement that iTMS Europe is on track for June.

But I HOPE for an announcement of iTunes 5. iTunes 4 is an aged animal! For such a flagship product, it sure doesn't get much attention... it is practically the only Apple software that has not been updated in the past year. There are so many cool things they could do to improve the already-great program.

Maybe a conference call is not really a proper forum for such an announcement, but a guy can dream!

[Snowy_River]

...hints that Apple has been working on major upgrades to iTunes and the iTunes Music Store...

Have there been any rumors about what kinds of 'major upgrades' we could expect to see for iTunes and iTMS?

[singletrack]

A new iPod? But we haven't had the mini-iPod yet. That would be ironic if everywhere but the USA saw new iPods before the mini. Maybe we could have a special UK version with built in DAB*. That would be nice. Go on Apple, you'd sell even more iPods in the UK with DAB.


* for those of you stuck in the dark ages with FM - http://www.bbc.co.uk/digitalradio/index.shtml?digitalradio

[hughdogg]

Well, they added Foo Fighters today. I hope it's a sign of things to come...

pp

They added a TON of new music today, it looks like double or triple the normal amount (comparing columns on the "Just Added" page). Steve will probably talk about that tomorrow..."Blah, blah...lots of new music, blah, blah....

:)

Cheers,
hughdogg

[singletrack]

But I HOPE for an announcement of iTunes 5. iTunes 4 is an aged animal! For such a flagship product, it sure doesn't get much attention... it is practically the only Apple software that has not been updated in the past year. There are so many cool things they could do to improve the already-great program.

I just want one thing.... Allowing multiple machines to update a library held on a networked drive. It's a pain in the arse having to delete the library and then re-import the folder just to keep the libraries on two machines in sync.

[Frisco]

But I HOPE for an announcement of iTunes 5. iTunes 4 is an aged animal! For such a flagship product, it sure doesn't get much attention... it is practically the only Apple software that has not been updated in the past year. There are so many cool things they could do to improve the already-great program.


Yes iTunes 5 is what I am waiting for. CD-Text and auto album artwork when you import your CDs. Of course lyrics in iTunes and on the iPod would be sweet too :)

[jcook793]

I just want one thing.... Allowing multiple machines to update a library held on a networked drive. It's a pain in the arse having to delete the library and then re-import the folder just to keep the libraries on two machines in sync.YES. Please God. Keeping my desktop and laptop in sync SUCKS.

[cheezmo]

Maybe they could encode all their music at 48Khz or even 96Khz (24bit) instead of the normal 44khz (CD quality).

All Macs made in the last 5 years should be able to play 48Khz music and all you need is a USB or firewire sound card on the older Macs to play 96Khz music.

More sound quality improvement would come from increasing the encoding bitrate to 160kbps or 192kbps than from changing the sampling frequency. 128kbps AAC falls so far short of CD quality as it is that working on getting closer to CD quality would be the first step.

[geerlingguy]

Maybe they could encode all their music at 48Khz or even 96Khz (24bit) instead of the normal 44khz (CD quality).

All Macs made in the last 5 years should be able to play 48Khz music and all you need is a USB or firewire sound card on the older Macs to play 96Khz music.

You can quote me on this: iTMS will not have 96 Khz. At least not in this decade. The only people who care enough are audiophiles... probably, at MOST, 1% of iTMS users. Very few consumers even have speakers good enough to hear a difference between 44.1 and 96 Khz audio, especially AAC compressed audio.

I'm just hoping for a few small things:

1) more promotions (free songs rock :D )
2) larger library (just think if iTMS was 'first to a million songs!')
3) full-length previews (I don't think this will happen, though... :rolleyes: )

[jncrow]

For me I am hoping for a wishlist feature on itms plenty of music I would like to get and get it all searched for but can only get a certain amount each time and just have to delete it from my shopping cart. Then have to remember and go add it again when I can buy some more. Would be nice to get a whole list built up and then just transfer to the shopping cart and buy as you can. :cool:

[Trowaman]

And there are updates and I am a very happy man. Hello Foo Fighters.

and there went my last 2 Pepsi credits. :D

Thanks Steve for giving me something really good to use my last 2 credits on.

[valx]

Well, if they added _that_ much new music, you would think they would have at least done their normal "interface" updates. Instead they did not update even one thing on the Home page or _any_ of the genre pages. Hmmm, add "double or triple" the normal amount of music, but don't even perform the normal "interface" updates? Interesting....

[Koodauw]

iTunes 5.0???

I'm ready to donwload.

[Frisco]

iTunes 5.
What color do you think the icon will be?

[JGowan]

$.99 just has a good 'ring' to itIt seems that most people do the whole "$.99" thing when 99¢ is so much better!

OPTION 4 on a Mac = ¢

(It's easy to remember the "4" because that's already the "$" sign)

I'm not dissing, just sharing.

[nesbitt_a]

I doubt they'll announce iTunes 5 tomorrow. Would Steve really pass up the opportunity to show off a new version of their flagship product?

I predict a new iTunes at the WWDC. Hard to know though.



By the way - WWDC is always Apples *big* product introduction chance. I've they've updated the powerbooks, ibooks, emacs etc what can we expect to see in June?!


-- Andrew

[niar]

They have Amalgamation of Soundz now. From Dorado Records
it's London based small Record label... Dorado and OM and have quietly came along.

[sushi]

You can quote me on this: iTMS will not have 96 Khz. At least not in this decade. The only people who care enough are audiophiles... probably, at MOST, 1% of iTMS users. Very few consumers even have speakers good enough to hear a difference between 44.1 and 96 Khz audio, especially AAC compressed audio.)
So true!

iTMS is designed for the average consumer who wants convenient decent sounding music.

Audiophiles comprise a very small portion of the population. For example, how many folks on this rumors list have stereos that cost in excess of 10,000 USD? I would venture to say very few.

And most true audiophiles have equipment that is way more expensive -- seen up to a 250,000 USD system before. Only played one CD at a time! :eek:

Anyhow, iTMS will remain a 44.1K store for quite some time.

Sushi

[sushi]

For me I am hoping for a wishlist feature on itms plenty of music I would like to get and get it all searched for but can only get a certain amount each time and just have to delete it from my shopping cart. Then have to remember and go add it again when I can buy some more. Would be nice to get a whole list built up and then just transfer to the shopping cart and buy as you can. :cool:
Neat idea! :D

Just like Amazon.com and some other web based stores.

That would definitely be sweet!

Sushi

[JGowan]

I bought ... a 2G 10GB iPod ... then ... Apple release the 3G iPod and the 15GB was bigger capacity for less ... than my 10GB one.Well, IMHO, the only loss was the capacity and a few pounds because while the new 3G version is slick, the SOLID STATE scroll wheel with buttons along the edge kicks the crap out of the new version. Much more intuitive to stick your had in your pocket to manipulate the buttons. Also, the new 3G buttons are WAY TOO sensitive. I like the "roundness" of the new 3G, the sharper BLUE screen, the new features, BUT as far as usability, you have the winner! Take it from someone who has had:

1gen 5GB; 2gen 10GB; 2gen 15GB; 2gen 20GB; 3gen 30GB and finally 3gen 40GB.

I have had just about all of them because I buy at CompUSA and have worked their TAP plan like crazy.

[JGowan]

Foo Fighters..."Learn to Fly" on the "There is Nothing Left to Lose" CD is BLANK ... 30 seconds of silence.

[Trowaman]

"Learn to Fly" on the "There is Nothing Left to Lose" CD is BLANK ... 30 seconds of silence.

The previews are out of order as well. Learn to Fly preview is on the next track and that preview is on the next, etc. Not up to par with the usual stuff iTunes, what gives? Too busy working on 5.0 for tomorrow?

[sushi]

Well, IMHO, the only loss was the capacity and a few pounds because while the new 3G version is slick, the SOLID STATE scroll wheel with buttons along the edge kicks the crap out of the new version. Much more intuitive to stick your had in your pocket to manipulate the buttons. Also, the new 3G buttons are WAY TOO sensitive. I like the "roundness" of the new 3G, the sharper BLUE screen, the new features,
Anybody have both a 3G and a Mini?

If so, how do the controls seem on the Mini vice the 3G?

Personally, I have the 1G 10GB iPod. Like it. Didn't particularly like the 3Gs button layout. Looking forward to seeing how the Mini works.

Thanks!

Sushi

[impierced]

I went to purchase two CDs today on iTMS, to help with the 100 million goal, and found that the two I wanted were $13.99.

I can purchase the physical CDs at that price.

[robsworld]

Hmmmm :cool:
I don't believe that Steve will announce major new things like iTunes 5 through a telephone conference :confused:

So I expect as the best thing a release date for iTMS Europe.

rob

[mprenfro]

Is it coming to Japan?? Waiting forever!!! :mad:

[msandersen]

Well, an otherwise reliable source who predicted the recent software releases also gave details of QuickTime 7. Assuming QT7 is ready for release, that certainly means a major iTunes release. More and better support for other music formats/codecs and faster encoding/ripping perhaps. They'll never support WMA, though, not even for playback only.
iTunes for Windows needs a lot better interface performance. Even on consumer Macs (well, before the update) the responsiveness is poor. Windows doesn't have the advantage of Quartz. I'm sure Apple won't get rid of the excessive chrome, but something to make it more responsive on lesser hardware would be good.
Included artwork and lyrics in downloads (optional hi-res jpegs?), plus the option of higher sampling rates for the audiophiles on broadband, would be nice. I have nothing to sync with, but the aforementioned improvements to syncing would be good.
Allowing others to use FairPlay is needed to broaden the takeup of AAC over WMA.
On a related note, I note 3G phones here will now get 3Mb downloadable videoclips from Sony and others in MPEG-4 AAC format for AUS$3 a pop, which is about what they sell music ringtones for. Currently, the only protection is that it won't save or send to anything. Add Fairplay, and they will be able to save and email those videoclips.

iPods are just begging for an inbuilt radio, even digital radio for some countries, to compete with some low-end offering coming out.

On the rumor that 40Gb iPods are going down in stock, the other niche market itching to be exploited are color iPods you can plug your camera into like a giant Flash card (Hmm, Bluetooth wireless connectivity?).
On a holiday, toting your laptop around or a large collection of backup Flash cards could be replaced by one video iPod with Firewire2 connectivity with an inbuilt iPod iPhoto for previewing your snaps, maybe even basic editing like cropping and rotating.
Consider how convenient it was for Peter Jackson who used his iPods in production of the last 2 LOtR movies to transport terabytes of roughs (over months and 2 movies, naturally!) sent from NZ to London by satellite, and transported by iPod to his home, and played directly into his Powerbook for approval and comment during videoconference calls. We may not need a FCPro iPod, but an iPhoto iPod (iPhod?) would be nice for the amateur camera buffs among us. :D

[ITR 81]

Is it coming to Japan?? Waiting forever!!! :mad:

Probably once the new Osaka Store opens this fall.

I have feeling iTunes will open in Europe, Canada and Japan this yr.

[Frisco]

Well, IMHO, the only loss was the capacity and a few pounds because while the new 3G version is slick, the SOLID STATE scroll wheel with buttons along the edge kicks the crap out of the new version. Much more intuitive to stick your had in your pocket to manipulate the buttons. Also, the new 3G buttons are WAY TOO sensitive. I like the "roundness" of the new 3G, the sharper BLUE screen, the new features, BUT as far as usability, you have the winner! Take it from someone who has had:

1gen 5GB; 2gen 10GB; 2gen 15GB; 2gen 20GB; 3gen 30GB and finally 3gen 40GB.

I have had just about all of them because I buy at CompUSA and have worked their TAP plan like crazy.

Agreed! The 1st generation iPod was the best one made. They fixed something that wasn't broke and made it worse. I love the 1st generation scroll wheel. I hope the 4th generation iPod uses a scroll wheel design like the original or at the least like the Minis.

[SiliconAddict]

Wow. Per someone's comment about higher priced albums I started browsing album prices. The prices have turned asinine. Did this just start or have I just been too focused on individual tracks to notice?!?! I'm not spending $13,$15,$16+ bucks on a freaking album when I can get a CD from the store for as much or cheaper. Thankfully iTMS is still selling by track but for how long. IMHO this is going to hurt the store.
Even more so if the rumors about jacking up the prices of individual songs comes true. Greedy, evil, SOB, music exec bastards.

I hope Jobs announcement for tomorrow is a strategic guerrilla warfare style takeover of all music studios' worldwide by Apple employees.
Quote from tomorrow's announcement: "Enough of this ************. I didn't like big business when I started Apple. I still don't. Time's up a-holes" http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/images/smiles/new_2gunsfiring_v1.gif


One can dream can't he? ;) http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/images/smiles/icon_confused.gif

[Frisco]

Anybody have both a 3G and a Mini?

If so, how do the controls seem on the Mini vice the 3G?

Personally, I have the 1G 10GB iPod. Like it. Didn't particularly like the 3Gs button layout. Looking forward to seeing how the Mini works.

Thanks!

Sushi

The controls and scroll wheel on the Mini is way better than 3rd generation iPods. It offers much more tactile feedback.

[m-dogg]

"Anybody have both a 3G and a Mini?

If so, how do the controls seem on the Mini vice the 3G?

Personally, I have the 1G 10GB iPod. Like it. Didn't particularly like the 3Gs button layout. Looking forward to seeing how the Mini works.

Thanks!"

I've had a 2nd gen 20gb and now use a 3rd gen 30gb, and my girlfriend has a mini. While I have no problem using the controls on my 30gb without looking at it (I t took me maybe 2 days to adjust from my 2nd gen, tops), I really like the mini's click wheel except for one thing - The wheel is too small for my taste. I guess my big thumb likes to make bigger circles when scrolling.

When it comes down to it though, they're all amazingly easy to use in my opinion...

Also, my guess for tomorrow's call is that Steve will announce ITMS Europe - That seems easier to announce over a phone call to me...

[pkradd]

Tomorrow is a telephone meeting between Apple's SJ and the analyst and tech reporter community so don't be disappointed if no new products are released. It's possible but really it isn't the reason for the conference call. It is basically going to be a live press release rather then a printed one (which will most likely also be published). Some reports say a color screen iPod with a scroll wheel similar to the mini is next, but release dates are foggy. Makes sense that this would be Gen 4 for the iPod. It has been mentioned over the past few months as well. It's coming but when is the question.

[snahabed]

I know it's all a matter of taste, but I HATE the 3G iPod buttons. I have played with them in the store, and they are fantastically non-ergonomic (for my hands, at least) and way too sensitive.

I am the owner of a 2G, which I think is the best iPod button setup yet. Well that is, until the mini's came along.

THE CLICKWHEEL RULES! So wonderful to hold, touch, navigate. Perfect. I hope the 4G iPods adopt the clickwheel.

[ilikeiBook]

c'mon Syeve-o, impress me.

Bring any of the following to the store: Dave Matthews, Metallica, Foo Fighters, Linkin Park, or Smashing Pumpkins.

Make me happy.

Led Zeppelin AC/DC and Rammstien

but most of all - itunes in Canada!!

[Spades]

Can't say I've heard 96 kHz before, but I have heard 20-bit before. On a standard computer setup, it was definitely an improvement over 16-bit. In any case, I don't think the speakers are the limiting factor here. For compressed audio it is, since low-quality consumer grade speakers usually don't play the frequencies that compression strips out. The limiting factor for higher-quality source audio is the playback hardware. Most sound cards only output 16-bit at 44.1 kHz at best, so what do you really gain from having better than CD quality source audio?

While I did notice a difference between 16- and 20-bit, what I think is really needed is a little bit of a listening test. Anybody out there have an SACD/DVD-Audio player, some hybrid SACDs or audio DVDs, and some average computer speakers? Try the speakers with both the SACD/DVD-Audio player and an old CD player and see if you can tell the difference.

I think if iTMS offered higher quality audio that people would flock to it. Just advertise the almighty bigger numbers and consumers will buy it up like crazy, whether it made any real difference with their hardware or not. I think the key thing is that Apple could do the switch tomorrow and it wouldn't cost consumers a single dime. The files would still be AAC and should already playback with the current version of quicktime. All it would do is give people that care the option of making real use of better playback hardware.

You can quote me on this: iTMS will not have 96 Khz. At least not in this decade. The only people who care enough are audiophiles... probably, at MOST, 1% of iTMS users. Very few consumers even have speakers good enough to hear a difference between 44.1 and 96 Khz audio, especially AAC compressed audio.

[sushi]

The controls and scroll wheel on the Mini is way better than 3rd generation iPods. It offers much more tactile feedback.
Appreciate the feedback.

Was it hard to get used to using?

Scrolling and pushing on the same control?

Thanks!

Sushi

[sushi]

"I've had a 2nd gen 20gb and now use a 3rd gen 30gb, and my girlfriend has a mini. While I have no problem using the controls on my 30gb without looking at it (I t took me maybe 2 days to adjust from my 2nd gen, tops), I really like the mini's click wheel except for one thing - The wheel is too small for my taste. I guess my big thumb likes to make bigger circles when scrolling.

When it comes down to it though, they're all amazingly easy to use in my opinion...

Also, my guess for tomorrow's call is that Steve will announce ITMS Europe - That seems easier to announce over a phone call to me...
Appreciate the feedback as well.

To me, the 1G and 3G controls are very different.

I prefer the 1G. Looks like the Mini is easy to use. I have small hands so it should work okay.

Looking forward to trying a Mini. Had one ordered when they were introduced, but decided to wait to see them in person before buying. Not sure when they will get to Japan. Originally it was supposed to be in April. Last I heard was July. Guess I should check up on the date again in case it is sooner.

Sushi

[rueyeet]

They added a TON of new music today, it looks like double or triple the normal amount (comparing columns on the "Just Added" page). Steve will probably talk about that tomorrow..."Blah, blah...lots of new music, blah, blah...."They probably wanted to jack up the song count to sound as impressive as possible, especially because they're not going to reach their predicted download tally. :p

I'd like a wishlist feature too. I'm forever putting tons of stuff in the shopping cart only to find that I don't want to spend quite that much money at once. One would think that since the purchase system is licensing Amazon's One-Click, they could borrow the wishlist system as well.

[formatc]

I'm hoping for a daily download of the Howard Stern show. I suggested it through the iTMS suggest mechanism.

I get it free now through a source, which I'm not naming, but I think iTMS would bring Howard BIG exposure.

Howard would be uncensored through iTMS. F the FCC!

[digitalbiker]

I had a 1G that died. Bought a 3G and my wife has a mini. For me I rate the interface for each as follows.

1st Place = 1G

2nd Place = 3G

3rd Place = Mini

The reasons are; 3G too sensitive, don't like the button placement compared to 1G, less tactile feel.

Mini all around bad interface. Wheel too small for my thumb. Display too small to read easily and doesn't hold as many titles visible on the list.

My perfect killer iPod would be; Mini size/style, 1G interface, removable compact memory instead of harddrive, and WiFi built in for transfer / streaming audio

[JFreak]

how many folks on this rumors list have stereos that cost in excess of 10,000 USD?

count me in :)

my speaker system alone cost 15000 euros and the electronics about the same. so 30k euros total. take off the tax and convert the currency, you should get around 25k us dollars.

and i might soon get a pair of genelecs just to be able to compare...

[JFreak]

I know it's all a matter of taste, but I HATE the 3G iPod buttons.

me too. they shouldn't be away from the wheel! mini got it right and 2G was also nice. too bad the 3G sucks so much - i have to wait for the next generation or settle for the mini ;)

[JGowan]

Anybody have both a 3G and a Mini?My co-worker has the Mini -- The Mini is super-sweet and out-classes the bigger 3G pod. If capacity is not an issue, get the mini.

[Chaszmyr]

Important question:

Has Apple ever released new products at a "conference call"?

[Frisco]

Appreciate the feedback.

Was it hard to get used to using?

Scrolling and pushing on the same control?

Thanks!

Sushi

No, it's not hard to get used to using. It feels so natural that you don't have to think about it. Scrolling and pushing on the same control is great and easy to use. Everything is right there at your fingertip, like the 1st and 2nd generation iPods. I had a 1st generation iPod and I loved the scroll wheel with the button and scrolling on the same control. I always had it in my pocket and had no problem navigating through songs, etc. Then I got a 3rd generation 15GB and I could never navigate while it was in my pocket--I had to take it out to navigate. The buttons were way too sensitive that I would try to fastforward and instead it would skip to the next song.

Thank God for the Mini--it brought a similar feel back to my 1st generation Pod.

[dongmin]

Tomorrow is a telephone meeting between Apple's SJ and the analyst and tech reporter community so don't be disappointed if no new products are released. It's possible but really it isn't the reason for the conference call. It is basically going to be a live press release rather then a printed one (which will most likely also be published). Some reports say a color screen iPod with a scroll wheel similar to the mini is next, but release dates are foggy. Makes sense that this would be Gen 4 for the iPod. It has been mentioned over the past few months as well. It's coming but when is the question.

agreed. don't expect new announcements. it'll just be a 'State of the iTunes address' i.e. how many songs sold, how many songs in the catalogue, how many ipod minis sold, blah blah blah. about the only potentially new announcement will be when they're lauching iTMS europe.

[gemio17]

My co-worker has the Mini -- The Mini is super-sweet and out-classes the bigger 3G pod. If capacity is not an issue, get the mini.

That's kinda bad advice- a bunch of co-workers and friends have the mini- and guess what? They're all dead- after less than 3 months!! There have been so many problems with the 1st mini's I would really wait until they redesign and revamp so the mini will actually be a viable option. I had ordered the mini as a present for my bf- then I started reading/hearing the horror stories and was so happy and relieved when I got the offer to get a 15 for the same price coz Apple couldn't meet the demand.. phew.

On topic: I am hoping for a wish list as well as a new color screen iPod that my digital camera will be able to download directly to (usb port or flash card input slot) and that I can see thumbnails of my pics on....but mostly the wish list...pulease

[latergator116]

I think a redisigned iTunes with a cool new interface would be great (not that there is anything wrong eith the one now). I guess we will find out tomorow.

[aricher]

It would be great if they at least got rights to the musicians in their commercials - no De La Soul, no DJ Q-Bert - sad.

New iPods or Apple branded "slimP3" style streaming device would be nice enough though :D

[Windowlicker]

iTunes 5.
What color do you think the icon will be?

silver/aluminum? :Q probably not. I still just want some specific information about itms europe tomorrow. will there be a webcast btw?

[Armsreach]

I just want one thing.... Allowing multiple machines to update a library held on a networked drive. It's a pain in the arse having to delete the library and then re-import the folder just to keep the libraries on two machines in sync.

I'm sure there are many solutions, but here's one I use....

Store my library on a network drive. Then on all three of my computers I delete my user/music folder and make an alias to the network music folder. The only drawback of this is when I am not connected to the network and itunes get's pissy on startup. But this is nice since I can add to the library from any machine.

Also, curious, I haven't bought any music yet (there's some exclusives I want but I just haven't gotten around to it. Anyone know if I have my setup this way, will it affect playback on any or all of the machines? not sure how fairplay works exactly (since as I said, I haven't bought anything).

I do agree though, there should be a nicer solution to sharing a library on multiple machines.

[SiliconAddict]

I think a redisigned iTunes with a cool new interface would be great (not that there is anything wrong eith the one now). I guess we will find out tomorow.

The interface is great but I think there are some features that Apple should put into the iTunes in general and more specifically iTunes for Windows. Specifically Apple script support. There is a ton of addins for iTunes that do me jack squat worth of good since it doesn't run on Windows.
Beyond that I would like to see an alarm clock feature built into the properties of a playlist so at X time the playlist would run at X volume. Also it would be cool if they added another rating listing so users that connect to your share can rate your music. On your computer is would show the average rating for each user that attaches. Oh and how about an auto download feature for coverart when importing songs from CD's? OMG was it a PITA importing 300 CD's. I feel for the people that have 500+
Then you have the music store. Love the implementation. Hate the fact that there is no wishlist option. Personally I would like to see a person being able to right click on any title or album and select wishlist with a 5 star rating system that is color coded. 1=Black 2-3=Green 4-5=Blue. (So sue me I like color! :p ) This earmarks the song by changing the (Buy Song) icon on iTMS to whatever color-code you select instead of the normal gray. Up top next to the browse button you would have a Wish List button that would only show up if you have something in your wish list otherwise its not there.
When you click on it, it opens up your wish list. The path on the bar between the now playing display up top and the browser windows would be (little house thing) -> [Username here 's Wishlist]
Oh and you can e-mail your wishlist to anyone. (X-mas/birthday gift? hint, hint.)

Or not. What do I know :)

PS- Add another computer to the total number of machines. 3 is too limiting.

[applekid]

c'mon Syeve-o, impress me.

Bring any of the following to the store: Dave Matthews, Metallica, Foo Fighters, Linkin Park, or Smashing Pumpkins.

Make me happy.

Excellent choices in bands. :cool: Turning some radio shows into sellable items on iTunes would be cool, too. (Can't get enough of Adam Corolla and Dr. Drew on Loveline ;) )

For some reason, I doubt there will be anything amazingly big except for maybe some expansions of the current store or to internationalize. I'm not feeling new iPods. Maybe other cool devices, but not iPods.

[J-Squire]

To see who called this first, check out my post from Yesterday's Conference Call Thread......iTunes 5 Prediction:

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=815761#post815761

[Geetar]

count me in :)

my speaker system alone cost 15000 euros

.....and i might soon get a pair of genelecs just to be able to compare...

Er- why? My colleagues and I have found Genelecs to be quite the joke monitor (with the exception of the S30's, which are nothing like their other speakers anyway).

FWIW, I use ATC100a SLs, so I'm not kidding around.

[uzombie]

..is it me or are the Radio Station selections in iTunes getting anorexic?

I've begun listening to more and more classical music at work. But the choices for stations on itunes are abyssmal.

So, I search the net for stations (mostly NPR or other public-funded) and find that many are iTunes capable. Though many are URL cut n paste, some are RAM (Real Audio) or Window Media centric.

Unless I am the only one that is noticing this, is there an unknown source for classical music streams? One with title so I can jot down and BUY the CD? (DG, Telarc...)

Hope new iTunes helps manage easier too. What a mess...I have....to oranize....better!

[Piker]

The scheduled conference call time has come and gone. It would have to be over by now. What the crap happened? Need an update!

-Piker

[cdp788]

More sound quality improvement would come from increasing the encoding bitrate to 160kbps or 192kbps than from changing the sampling frequency. 128kbps AAC falls so far short of CD quality as it is that working on getting closer to CD quality would be the first step.

Yes, this is true. Everybody should listen to cheezmo and then google a site for digital signal processing.

The human ear an only hear frequencies as high at 20 kHz. when converting an analog signal to a digital signal, the converter samples the signal at a certain rate (that is to say, it pick spots along the waveform and digitizes those spots). Now, for in interest of storage space and minimizing overkill, 44 kHz sampling is the perfect rate at which to convert a music file as you won't lose any frequency due to the nyquist effect (see: http://ei.cs.vt.edu/~netinfo/notes/chap1/digitalsound/sampling.html ).

the best thing to do to increase quality of conversion is to increase the depth of the sample, that is, bits per sample... subsequently leading to increases bits per second.

[JediL1]

The scheduled conference call time has come and gone. It would have to be over by now. What the crap happened? Need an update!

-Piker

Uh, the conference call is TOMORROW Wednesday, April 28th 10:30 E.S.T...

[reckless_0001]

Come on Apple, let's see iTMS Canada this Wednesday!!

Thanks in advance steve...<prays> :rolleyes:

[Daschund]

Also, curious, I haven't bought any music yet (there's some exclusives I want but I just haven't gotten around to it. Anyone know if I have my setup this way, will it affect playback on any or all of the machines? not sure how fairplay works exactly (since as I said, I haven't bought anything).


You need to authorize the computer that will PLAY the music, so you can still have 3 computers playing the song that is on your server. It doesn't matter how many copies of the file you have, but you'll still have to authorize each computer that will play that song...

Andre

[sonorsven]

It seems that most people do the whole "$.99" thing when 99¢ is so much better!

OPTION 4 on a Mac = ¢

(It's easy to remember the "4" because that's already the "$" sign)

I'm not dissing, just sharing.

I don't think using "¢" in this instance is better. The reason: This discussion is over the iTMS and the iTMS represents the price of songs with "$0.99" itself.

Thanks for sharing though.

[peterj1967]

I think they should incorporate a "subscription" service into the iTunes music store and it should only be available as a free option to people with .Mac accounts. This way they have a real draw to get people into .mac accounts. But I'd need to be able to stream the files on a PC because I work in a PC based office.

Subscription services meaning being able to stream music on demand without owning it.

That would be a great upgrade and I'd get a little more bang for my buck on my .mac account.

[stoid]

I don't think using "¢" in this instance is better. The reason: This discussion is over the iTMS and the iTMS represents the price of songs with "$0.99" itself.

Thanks for sharing though.

They use dollars so that if the rumored happens and the RIAA jacks the price up to $2.49 a track, Apple wouldn't have the problem of prices appearing as 249¢ :(

[sethypoo]

it often takes a while for the "new music tuesday" to happen...
sometimes in the evening, even.

It usually happens at midnight on Monday/Tuesday, never as late as Tuesday evening.

[LaMerVipere]

...give me iTunes 5! I am oh so bored with that classic iTunes look, i mean iTunes has had the same bloody look since it's inception back in the OS 9 days. It's so antiquated a look, pleeeeeease dazzle me tomorrow steve!

[sushi]

Just wanted to thank everyone for their feedback and suggestions.

Looking forward to seeing the Mini in person.

Sushi

[Omad0n]

It seems that most people do the whole "$.99" thing when 99¢ is so much better!

OPTION 4 on a Mac = ¢

(It's easy to remember the "4" because that's already the "$" sign)

I'm not dissing, just sharing.

Who knew? Thanks for the tip!

[digitalbiker]

The FCC regulates and licenses bandwidth. All EM waves are regulated in the US from satelite microwaves, to 2.4 GHZ phones, Wi-Fi, ham radio, fm, am, vhf, etc. etc.

As a condition of a broadcasters license to use a certain FM or AM bandwidth they must comply with certain decency codes that are established by the Federal Government.

Since, theoretically, the Federal Government represents the people, then the general populas regulate the airwaves.

It is censorship but it is kind-of up-front censorship that is suppose to represent the morals of the general populas.

Wheither that is good or bad, or "dark ages" I don't know. But that is the current system.

[aussiemac86]

As a condition of a broadcasters license to use a certain FM or AM bandwidth they must comply with certain decency codes that are established by the Federal Government.

Since, theoretically, the Federal Government represents the people, then the general populas regulate the airwaves.

It is censorship but it is kind-of up-front censorship that is suppose to represent the morals of the general populas.
current system.


OK, but over in the US dont u have some ammendment which has something to do with freedom of media or speech or something?

Wouldnt these deceny codes go against this?

And also the federal govt represents the morals of the general populist in theory...in theory.
all that said i spose if they are just censoring like rude language/themes, thats not nearly as bad as like censoring ideas. Still its not ideal

[stoid]

OK, but over in the US dont u have some ammendment which has something to do with freedom of media or speech or something?

Wouldnt these deceny codes go against this?

And also the federal govt represents the morals of the general populist in theory...in theory.
all that said i spose if they are just censoring like rude language/themes, thats not nearly as bad as like censoring ideas. Still its not ideal

The reason that the government can regulate airwave broadcasts in ways that it cannot regulate print media is because there are a limited number of broadcast frequencies, but no physical limit to the number of people that can produce their own print material and distribute it.

(Yay for college, I learnt something!)

[Nny]

I have had just about all of them because I buy at CompUSA and have worked their TAP plan like crazy.

Hehe.... same here. Used to work for them. TAP comes out at approx. 60% off with employee discount.

[fener]

There is a great chance that HP is going to release its Blue iPod tomorrow.

Hp usually updates its website on Wednesday. They will want this to be told by Jobs. Tomorrow is a strong candidate.

[minstryoffunk]

c'mon Syeve-o, impress me.

Bring any of the following to the store: Dave Matthews, Metallica, Foo Fighters, Linkin Park, or Smashing Pumpkins.

Make me happy.


everyone is better off without metallica and linkin park (incidentally, the worst bands ever)

[rdowns]

I'm hoping for a daily download of the Howard Stern show. I suggested it through the iTMS suggest mechanism.

I get it free now through a source, which I'm not naming, but I think iTMS would bring Howard BIG exposure.

Howard would be uncensored through iTMS. F the FCC!

Howard is so,so OS 9.

[fredwick]

The scheduled conference call time has come and gone. It would have to be over by now. What the crap happened? Need an update!

-Piker
its tomorrow :rolleyes:

[autrefois]

I expect an announcement about iTMS sales that tries to spin the 100-million failure. I am guessing it is around 70 million -- which is great.

Well, I have just begun downloading 60 copies of every song on the store. Based on your estimate, that should put the total over 100 million. :D

[stoid]

Well, I have just begun downloading 60 copies of every song on the store. Based on your estimate, that should put the total over 100 million. :D

So YOU'RE the guy who spent $29,500 by MWSF! :rolleyes:

[gemio17]

¢¢¢¢¢¢¢¢¢

option 4
nice
thanks for opening up my world :D

¢¢

[JGowan]

I don't think using "¢" in this instance is better. The reason: This discussion is over the iTMS and the iTMS represents the price of songs with "$0.99" itself.

Thanks for sharing though.Well then, let me share a little more. They do it ON THE MUSIC STORE to keep the two places on the right side of the decimal lined up when there's multiple monies listed, including amounts $1.00 and over. On APPLE.COM, they use the correct form:

http://www.gowan.us/ninteyninecents.gif

When you're just talking about ninety-nine cents, 99¢ is a better to represent it. Go into a candy shop: five-cent candy has been and will always be 5¢! Not $.05 !

Again, I wasn't picking on anybody,... I was only trying to help.

[ebunton]

well aside from the fact that this is my first post here... i hope that a new version of i tunes gets released as well as a new ipod. i want both NOW... like the next Powerbook! hahha

I tend to agree with the notion that it seems highly unlikely that new products will would be unveiled during a telephone conference so that sorta sucks...

well perhaps a new version of iTunes but i think the ipod is certainly a flagship product and if the 4g one is going to be released then it would be done appropriately at a flagship launch event.

phew! that's my first try at a post (for years) feels good! :D

[sorryiwasdreami]

...give me iTunes 5! I am oh so bored with that classic iTunes look, i mean iTunes has had the same bloody look since it's inception back in the OS 9 days. It's so antiquated a look, pleeeeeease dazzle me tomorrow steve!

LaMerVipere, mock us up the design of your ideal iTunes UI so we can see this sucker! :D

[rikers_mailbox]

Anyone else sign up for the Ben & Jerry's song give-a-way? A clue to what's happening tomorrow might be in the email sent to me today. . .it says:

Congratulations on being one of the first 50,000 to enter the Ben &
Jerry's ETOV Turn It Around Sweepstakes!

To claim your music download, follow these instructions:

If you don’t yet have iTunes ® 4.2 or later on your computer, visit
http://www.itunes.com now to download and install iTunes on your
computer.

Once you have downloaded iTunes, or if you already have iTunes 4.2 or
later, click on the link below, or simply copy it into your browser
window:

https://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZFinance.woa/wa/freeSongWizard

Once you arrive at the iTunes Music Store, enter the Download Code
shown
below, and follow the onscreen directions to receive your music
download!
Your code is valid until June 25, 2004.

iTunes Download Code: ####edited####

If you have any problems downloading, contact iTunes support at:

http://www.apple.com/support/itunes/musicstore/

Thanks from all of us at Ben & Jerry's!

Ben & Jerry's
30 Community Drive
South Burlington, VT 05403-6828

"iTunes version 4.2 or later"? As of today, there is no 'later' version!

[Trowaman]

I suddenly realized something, Apple sold 2 million iPods at the end of Dec.

The second quarter ended a month ago with 803,000 sold.

Anyone else think we might hear the words "3 million iPods sold" tomorrow?

[jtquick2001]

Did I hear that apple does not like to mark anvirserys in anyway? :confused: Somebody please Help me out here.

[dontmatter]

"iTunes version 4.2 or later"? As of today, there is no 'later' version!

Hate to burst your bubble but... I have the distinct impression that anything dependent on software says "version x.x OR LATER". It's just being safe. I'm sure you could find plenty of things that are panther or better required, but it doesn't say anything about there actually being any better, just that it should be compatible with that too

[Gyroscope]

I rather think that these possible announcements have a lot to do with Sony's upcoming announcement of its own music store and new generation of walkmans. As Sony is probably biggest threat to Apple's aspiration for world dominance in digital music arena :D. This will definitely be interesting year to watch. Hope that Apple still can come out on the top with iPod/ITMS. I don't know how's Sony music store will look/feel like and if they will be able to offer better price per song ,but I can tell you that new Hi-MD minidisc players (with 1gb capacity per disc) look absolutley hot.

[imnoah]

Go to the store and check it out

[brianyap]

looks like there WILL be a new iTunes. iTunes 4.5 will feature iMix, music videos, WMA support, CD insert printing, movie trailers, wishlist, lossless encoding, and much more...

[you]

damn i got beat


New StuffiMixes

Free single of the week

Movie trailers

radio charts

Unlimited CD burning of songs (burn any playlist up to 7 times)

Play your music on up to 5 machines (Macs or Pcs)

[tick]

Hate to burst your bubble but... I have the distinct impression that anything dependent on software says "version x.x OR LATER". It's just being safe. I'm sure you could find plenty of things that are panther or better required, but it doesn't say anything about there actually being any better, just that it should be compatible with that too


As in now?

Load itunes and see a link for itunes 4.5!!!!!!! :eek:

Crap!!! It's gone! But I saw it!!

thank god for the back button and screenshots!

[fxo33]

Here's a screenshot of the new stuff, just incase someone jumped the gun ;-)

[brianyap]

also, cd burning has been reduced from 10 times per playlist to 7 times, though sharing music on 5 machines is now possible, as opposed to 3 previously

[tick]

Well.... looks like I like the Pet Shop Boys. :rolleyes:

[Kingsnapped]

Woo! I'm glad I stayed up until ungodly hours just to shop and spend some pepsi cash. Now I won't even be able to get in my six hours of sleep...

[ssnmx]

let me download now!!!

[fredwick]

music stores down 404 error :rolleyes:

[bathysphere]

also, cd burning has been reduced from 10 times per playlist to 7 times, though sharing music on 5 machines is now possible, as opposed to 3 previously

jesus christ, thank god for playfair.

[Jedda]

Im going to have a bit of fun and hump to conclusions.

1. The ability to download music videos is making me think that a video iPod is now possible, and even likely. Apple wouldnt do ANYTHING to the music store without linking it to the iPod.

2. The inclusion of WMA in iTunes means one of 2 things.

- The 4th gen iPods will support WMA.
(Apple wouldn't have a feature supported by itunes and not the ipod.)

- You will be able to convert, but not really import WMA files.

3. The updates seem to be visual (movie trailers, music videos).

Is the iPod becoming visual as well as audial (a word?)?

Just my 2 cents.

- J

[JFreak]

Here's a screenshot of the new stuff, just incase someone jumped the gun ;-)

"using the apple lossless encoder you can import cds into itunes with sound indistinguishable from the original recording but at about half the size"

--> flac support?

[ssnmx]

2. The inclusion of WMA in iTunes means one of 2 things.

- The 4th gen iPods will support WMA.
(Apple wouldn't have a feature supported by itunes and not the ipod.)

- You will be able to convert, but not really import WMA files.

- J

note that it says: "Import WMA Files (Windows)" so... only in windows? I know nobody who has a Mac would have their songs in WMA format... but it's kinda funky that they specifically say windows...

[Jedda]

note that it says: "Import WMA Files (Windows)" so... only in windows? I know nobody who has a Mac would have their songs in WMA format... but it's kinda funky that they specifically say windows...

Very good point.

Looks like they are updating the music store as I speak, as there are clearly broken liks appearing as shown here.

By the way, just wanted to assure you all that my plan was to JUMP to conclusions, and not neccasarily HUMP to them.

- J

[bankshot]

From the posted feature list:

Lossless Encoder
Using the Apple Lossless Encoder, you can import CDs into iTunes with sound indistinguishable from the original recording but at about half the size.

Ok, great. Should satisfy a lot of audiophiles out there. Sounds like FLAC or very similar technology.

But my question is: where's the Gapless Encoder?? Here's how it should read:

Gapless Encoder
Using the Apple Gapless Encoder, you can import CDs into iTunes without any gaps between individual tracks. The CD is imported as one single file in the format of your choice, and metadata saves track information so it plays just the same as before.

Darnit, I still have to dream... :rolleyes:

The wishlist feature will be nice, though. :cool:

[you]

Am i correct in assuming that music purchased before this update will have the old restrictions?

[acidrock]

I take full credit for the wishlist, hey guys why I can't I find a direct link to download the new itunes?

[Gemini]

Looks like there's one playlist in the iMix section right now... "A few of Steve's favorites"

[darius020]

so i guess we have to wait till after steve announces 4.5 tomorrow before we can get our free single of the week huh? what a tease...

[Neeja]

Anyone else liking the idea of this Party Shuffle feature? Looks teriffic to me.

[ebik]

Actually if you hit the "Most Recent" thing on the iMix page there are lots of them.

[Trowaman]

RAWR! Gimme more Foo Fighters songs!!! *Please gimme my choice because I have already bought 2 Foo Fighter songs today and I have One by One and Color and the Shape.

So, who's next week?

Love the music video collection.

Top Radio, well I now know what Clear Channel has done to my stuff back home.

iMix, decent idea. Might use it.

CD Jule Cases, love it!

Party Shuffle, tell me more.

Wishlist, Lossless, and links: okay not bad.

WMA, NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope this is just it imports them and they convert to aac or mp3.

Very nice Mr. jobs, very nice

[bertagert]

I hope the party shuffle makes it to the ipod. Being able to delete a song in the list, on the ipod, would be very sweet!

[reckless_0001]

AWESOME!!! Now this is exciting... can't wait til tomorrow :)

[bertagert]

Oh, the CD burn and making of the jewel case is sweet as well!

Sorry for the double post. Couldn't get it to edit the first one.

[Neeja]

Downloading now works for iTunes 4.5!

http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/

Also, check out the revamped iTunes homepage. http://www.itunes.com/

[Neeja]

When I initially launched v4.5, I got a "Updating Library" dialog. Anyone else get this? Have any clue what it is doing? Is it updating the library xml format or something?

[JediL1]

Just downloaded iTunes 4.5, busy trying stuff out! One depressing thing though, is that on the new iTunes site http://www.apple.com/itunes/ it says "sold more than 70 million songs"

[bertagert]

Largest Legal Download Catalog. Select from over 700,000 tracks from five major labels and more than 450 independents with free 30-second previews.

WooHoo!

[Brian Haworth]

iTunes 4.5 is out. Get it here. (http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/)

edit: Heh. I got way beaten. whoops.

[JediL1]

Ladies and Gentlemen......The Beatles!

(at least one album anyway)
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playlistId=136998

[bertagert]

New ipod software download as well.

Compatibility with iTunes 4.5 and the iTunes Music Store (please, please have the playshuffle for ipod in there!!!)
Improved playback performance
Support for the Apple Lossless Encoder, to enable compressed music encoding at high quality

[Trowaman]

my software update is showing none of this.

I need Quicktime 6.5.1 for iTMS and I see it not, same for iPod.

[KronicX]

For now you can download it straight off their site
http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/

And anyone notice this, "iPod Update 2004-04-28 supports all models of iPod and iPod mini introduced before April 28, 2004."

New iPods? One can hope.

[MacSlut]

I can't import WMA into iTunes on my Mac. I'm guessing that they are only allowing this on Windows :(

Encoding a CD with Apple Lossless Encoding is resulting in about 20x rip speeds on my Dual 1.42 GHz (with lots of other stuff running). The resulting files are AAC icons with m4a extensions. Bit rates show as low as 800 to as high as 1002kbps. I'm only getting a 38% reduction in file size overall. To put in perspective, lossless equals about 5x the size of AAC encodings at 192K. Still pretty cool.

[squatch]

Looks like according to the main iTunes page on Apple.com that they only reached 70 million songs, shy of the 100 million goal. Wonder what Steve will contribute that too? Pepsi? :mad:

[squatch]

For now you can download it straight off their site
http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/

And anyone notice this, "iPod Update 2004-04-28 supports all models of iPod and iPod mini introduced before April 28, 2004."

New iPods? One can hope.

Yep, just noticed that too. And there seems to be space to the left of the iPod and iPod mini on the iPod webpage. Let's see what Steve has up his sleeve. :)

[Oirectine]

iTunes 4.5 has just been released. I tried to submit it as news about 15 minutes ago, but I couldn't tell if I could include HTML so I decided not to.

[eizzumdm]

I did a Get Info in iTunes 4.5 of a song that I just bought and the version of FairPlay listed is 2. Checked older songs that I had purchased, the version was 1.

(The reason I had checked was to see if the iTMS was using a higher bitrate or the new Apple Lossless Encoder; no such luck.)

[switcheroo]

foo fighters - my hero is the itunes aniversary free song. Cool!

[davidh]

The iTunes Music Store is still only available in the US - and that won't change April 28.

The iTMS terms of sale document (at http://www.info.apple.com/usen/itunes/tsncsnew/policies.html) and the AppleID signup in itunes itself have both been updated, and both state that the Music Store is US-only.

From the iTMS Terms of Sale document:

U.S. SALES ONLY
Purchases from the iTunes Music Store are available only in the United States and are not available in any other location. You agree not to use or attempt to use the service from outside of the available territory. Apple may use technologies to verify such compliance.

4/28/04

[JFreak]

When I initially launched v4.5, I got a "Updating Library" dialog. Anyone else get this? Have any clue what it is doing? Is it updating the library xml format or something?

probably something to do with the party shuffle feature...?

[Awimoway]

Anyone have a link for the iPod update? (Is it out yet?)

[Awimoway]

probably something to do with the party shuffle feature...?

I think it has to do with all the links of your library songs to the iTMS.

[JediL1]

I'm in a college dorm and after I upgraded to iTunes 4.5 all the shared libraries of people in my dorm disappeared. Can anyone else confirm if this happened to them to?

[ssnmx]

The iTunes Music Store is still only available in the US - and that won't change April 28.

The iTMS terms of sale document (at http://www.info.apple.com/usen/itunes/tsncsnew/policies.html) and the AppleID signup in itunes itself have both been updated, and both state that the Music Store is US-only.

From the iTMS Terms of Sale document:

U.S. SALES ONLY
Purchases from the iTunes Music Store are available only in the United States and are not available in any other location. You agree not to use or attempt to use the service from outside of the available territory. Apple may use technologies to verify such compliance.

4/28/04


that sounds scary

[iMeowbot]

3rd gen 20gb, it looks like the cache is a lot more aggressive. That wicked annoying pause between songs seems to have been vastly reduced (for example, when you're in shuffle mode and skip around between songs).

[JFreak]

I'm in a college dorm and after I upgraded to iTunes 4.5 all the shared libraries of people in my dorm disappeared. Can anyone else confirm if this happened to them to?

itunes 4.5 can connect to other v4.5 shares, but not with earlier. i'd guess that goes both way...

[cotteez]

The New iPod Firmware Update has been posted, head to

http://www.apple.com/ipod/download/

[eizzumdm]

Bankshot, Apple is all about making your dreams come true. :cool:

From Apple's Site:
Handy Concept for Concept Rock

Many music CDs contain songs that blend into each other, and importing them to iTunes may create a small gap between songs that interrupts the flow. If you use the iTunes Join Tracks feature, the program melds two or more songs into one, continuous gap-free track. So now you can enjoy listening to classical music, concept rock albums and extended dance mixes without the silent treatment.

http://a772.g.akamai.net/7/772/51/32626f5fa511a8/www.apple.com/itunes/images/importripjoin04272004.gif

http://www.apple.com/itunes/import.html

[Awimoway]

I just saw on another site someone claiming that .ogg files now play in iTunes. I don't have any or I would verify this myself.

Edit: I downloaded one and cannot get it to work. I think this report is wrong.

[Zyote]

iMix's, you create your own mix from your own stuff, then you upload the mix to the store for rating and viewing etc.

BUT

every imix i see, has all the tracks available for purchase from the store!?

if i make a mix of stuff NOT on the store, how does it work?

[Iroganai]

Nooo.... I'm not in US, but I have a .Mac account !
Please allow me to download free songs :mad:

[iMeowbot]

I just saw on another site someone claiming that .ogg files now play in iTunes. I don't have any or I would verify this myself.

It doesn't seem to be so. There is now an .ogg icon resource in iTunes, but iTunes still doesn't seem to be able to recognize .ogg files unless the third-party OggVorbis.qtx (http://qtcomponents.sourceforge.net/) has been installed /Library/Quicktime.

Anyone wanting to verify/experiment can get sample ogg files here (http://www.xiph.org/ogg/vorbis/listen.html).

[Brian Haworth]

iMix's, you create your own mix from your own stuff, then you upload the mix to the store for rating and viewing etc.

BUT

every imix i see, has all the tracks available for purchase from the store!?

if i make a mix of stuff NOT on the store, how does it work?

It excludes them from the iMix. In my iMix, (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPublishedPlaylist?id=10253) I started with 14 and ended up with 11.

[Zyote]

It excludes them from the iMix. In my iMix, (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPublishedPlaylist?id=10253) I started with 14 and ended up with 11.

what happens if you have invalid tags on your music? ie, i call my Pearl Jam album "ten" which i ripped from my own cd, "10" instead of the way they put it..

does it magically figure out which one you're talking about?

(i'm from the UK, so i can't test this...)

[Jack White]

everyone is better off without metallica and linkin park (incidentally, the worst bands ever)
true dat

[Diatribe]

Is this ever going to show up in the software update or will I have to manually install it?

[Vonnie]

In this new version of itunes, all the "buy song" buttons have also been translated in "koop nummer" (dutch). I thought that was pretty interesting :-)

[fpnc]

Bankshot, Apple is all about making your dreams come true. :cool:

From Apple's Site:


http://a772.g.akamai.net/7/772/51/32626f5fa511a8/www.apple.com/itunes/images/importripjoin04272004.gif

http://www.apple.com/itunes/import.html

This isn't new (at least on the Mac), it's been a feature of iTunes for a very long time. What would be new is for the iPod to honor or support the cross-fade settings in iTunes. That would allow both gapless playback and a fade between songs during playback on the iPod. People have been asking for that since almost day one.

[fpnc]

Ignore this post -- removed since it was a user error (mine).

[slowtreme]

Wishlist! Unfortunatly my itunes bill is about to go way up.

I can import WMA? is this new? I'm guessing I still cant play my WMA library, but at least I could convert (if I bought another HD to do it with)

[aswitcher]

New ipod software download as well.

Compatibility with iTunes 4.5 and the iTunes Music Store (please, please have the playshuffle for ipod in there!!!)
Improved playback performance
Support for the Apple Lossless Encoder, to enable compressed music encoding at high quality



Nice. I still wonder if this has been released if Jobs will have something else up his sleeve tomorrow/today...

[Stella]

i can't delete this post....

[Indiana Mac]

4.5 should be interesting

[orion123]

Nice. I still wonder if this has been released if Jobs will have something else up his sleeve tomorrow/today...

The iPod updater "Supports iPods released before 4/28/04"

Read into that if you want. Although the Apple store is not down, so...

[J-Squire]

I'm sure iTunes was at 4.2 before now (well mine is) so I hope this is a big find.....iTunes 4.5 has been launched!!!

Check it out

http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/

edit: I suck and am way too late

[orion123]

Sorry if anyone else already mentioned this.

But the rights for iTMS songs have changed. Now you get to burn a playlist 7 times (not 10) and can authorize 5 machines (not 3).

Seems fair. I never burn that frequently and like to have my music on multiple machines.

[ph_555_shag]

YAY, that looks fairly cool.... im gonna go get it now

the best bit is that it can import WMA now, that seemed to be a common complaint

[J-Squire]

Before they are announced, check it out:
iTUnes 4.5 Features:

iMix
Party Shuffle
Print CD inserts
Save Music store previews for later purchase
"Apple Lossless" new lossless compression.

iTunes has sold "over 70million"

FOund at 10:28pm (melbourne, australia)
or 5:30am Pacific TIme

[lilscoy]

Hey, has anybody figured out how to save the music videos? Is that possible? Where are they stored on your hard drive after downloading them?
Thanks.

[J-Squire]

Downloaded and installing 4.5 at 5:45am Pacific time

[sebisworld]

Hey, has anybody figured out how to save the music videos? Is that possible? Where are they stored on your hard drive after downloading them?
Thanks.

Download "iGetMovies". It's on some french site, I hope you can find it.

Has anyone a problem creating an iTMS account? iTunes keeps crashing.

[duklaprague]

great news about the cd label printing! to think - i suggested it only yesterday!

now - new iPod please to save me from this dilemna of having one brought back to me from the US in 3 weeks, or waiting for the 4G iPods....

not asking for much - maybe even a full sized iPod in AL, with the mini's controls. thats all. not too much to ask for. and there's a space for a link right here (http://www.apple.com/ipod/). surely?

Iain :D

[duklaprague]

Hey, has anybody figured out how to save the music videos? Is that possible? Where are they stored on your hard drive after downloading them?
Thanks.

presumably they'll be streaming only - i can't imagine we'll be able to download music videos and burn them to dvd to create our own compilations? for free??

(at least I'm assuming they weren't for sale, but rather to act as ads for music you could then buy?)

Iain

[ph_555_shag]

http://www.apple.com/education/itunesoncampus/

anyone else notice this.... finaly an answer to napster on this front

i dont think it was there before, although im probably wrong

[wrldwzrd89]

Finally, iTunes 4.5 is on the Apple main page! Took them long enough to get it up there - or maybe they only do this at 9:00 am anyway. I am away from my Mac now, so I can't download/install/try out iTunes 4.5 yet...but I will when I return to my Mac.

[robbents99]

iTunes updates.
iPod updates.
Quicktime Page on Apple.com updated.
Apple.com Front page updated.

So far all the updates worked.

My 15" pbook will have to be updated once it arrives tomorrow. :)

[hob]

Nooo.... I'm not in US, but I have a .Mac account !
Please allow me to download free songs :mad:
You can't do it man, i've tried!! I'm equally annoyed!!

[lilscoy]

Download "iGetMovies". It's on some french site, I hope you can find it.



Thanks alot! That program rocks! :)

[cazlar]

You can't do it man, i've tried!! I'm equally annoyed!!

I haven't tried downloading the free song (I already have that album), but it seems you need an account to also rate iMixes. Really, can't they set up accounts for internationals that doesn't allow paid downloads, yet still gives access to all the other iTMS features?

[sebisworld]

Thanks alot! That program rocks! :)

Be careful though, it overrides existing files. So be sure to rename them after each download.