Apple releases second iTunes 12.6.1 update with new build number
Apple has released an updated version of iTunes through the Mac App Store, although the version number and release notes appear the same.
Apple releases iTunes 12.6.1 w/ ‘minor app and performance improvements’
In addition to macOS 10.12.5, Apple has released a minor version update to iTunes for macOS. iTunes 12.6.1 includes ‘minor app and performance improvements’ according to release notes. The update is available through the Mac App Store now.
End of an era as mp3 music format popularised by the iPod is officially discontinued [Update]
[Update: OS News reports that what Fraunhofer IIS fails to mention is that the last of the patents expired, and this is the reason that it is no longer licensing the format.]
More than 25 years after it was first developed, the mp3 format for digital music has been officially discontinued. The Fraunhofer Institute, the main organization responsible for licensing the encoders and decoders, has today announced that it ceased doing so late last month.
Apple was of course in large part responsible for popularizing the format, but also played a role in its demise …
iTunes and Apple Music coming to the Windows Store this year
Last week Microsoft revealed a new version of its operating system called Windows 10 S that only runs software from the Windows Store — which means apps like Apple’s iTunes and Google’s Chrome won’t work. Today at Microsoft’s Build conference for developers, however, the company announced that Apple is working on bringing iTunes to the Windows Store after all.
First unreleased Prince track now on iTunes & Apple Music, EP lands on Friday
Exactly one year after the death of Prince, RMA is releasing an EP of six previously-unreleased tracks by the artist. Deliverance will go on sale on Friday, and the title track is on iTunes and Apple Music as of today.
Industry push for home rentals of movies still in theater continues, studios mulling $30 price
Late last year, it was rumored that Apple was in talks with movie studios to offer home rentals of movies that were still in theaters. A new report from Variety offers more details on this industry push, noting how much studios are considering charging for in-home movie rentals…
Hands-on: Apple’s new ‘rent once, watch anywhere’ movie rentals feature in iTunes 12.6, iOS 10.3, and tvOS 10.2
As someone who runs the latest iOS and tvOS betas on all devices, I was able to take advantage of the new rent once, watch anywhere feature included in yesterday’s iTunes 12.6 update to the full. Have a look at our brief video walkthrough inside to see why this comes as a welcomed new addition.
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Apple releases iTunes 12.6 with new ‘rent once, watch anywhere’ feature
In addition to new iPhone and iPad updates today, Apple has released iTunes 12.6 with a new feature for movie rental playback. Described as ‘rent once, watch anywhere’, Apple says you can now rent a movie on one device then finish watching it on another device.
Cartoonist officially releases word for word graphic novel adaptation of the iTunes terms & conditions
The terms & conditions for iTunes have been the subject of mockery in the past for the extensive length and detail. Back in 2015, we told you about cartoonist Robert Sikoryak, who was turning the iTunes terms and conditions into a full-fledged graphic novel.
Now, Sikoryak has released the finished product: a 94-page, full color adaptation of the of the iTunes terms and conditions and It can be had for just $10 on Amazon.
Apple dedicates iTunes Store Movies and TV Shows pages to International Women’s Day 2017
Apple’s iTunes Store is celebrating International Women’s Day 2017 by dedicating the entire Movies and TV Shows pages to titles and collections featuring actresses, directors, producers, TV series, films, and documentaries. IWD’s official theme this year is ‘#BeBoldForChange’ and focuses on the goal of a gender inclusive world.
Apple’s classic iTunes Remote app updated with 2FA support for Home Sharing
Apple has updated its classic iTunes Remote app for iOS with two-factor authentication support when signing in to Home Sharing. This lets you use stronger security on your Apple ID and iCloud account and makes iTunes Remote prompt you for 2FA when someone attempts to sign in.
How to remove duplicate songs in iTunes with macOS and third-party apps
As it becomes more common to use a subscription music service like Apple Music or Spotify, song duplicates are less and less of an issue. However, many of us still maintain a music library that consists of content from various sources and still have to wrestle with the issue from time to time. Let’s take a look at a few free options and a couple paid apps that can help…
Airport kiosks in seven countries let you change foreign currency into iTunes credits
If you’ve ever returned from an overseas trip with leftover currency that’s too small a sum to usefully change back into dollars, TravelersBox has an alternative. The airport kiosks currently found in seven countries allow you to turn excess currency into iTunes credits, Starbucks vouchers or transfer it to your PayPal account.
Apple launches iTunes Boxing Day sales w/ discounted albums in Canada & UK
Continuing in the tradition they’ve started years ago, Apple has once again launched its iTunes Boxing Day sale with discounts on a multitude of albums across the Canadian and UK iTunes stores.
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Big year-end iTunes movie sale is now live w/ tons of great $5 titles, $0.99 rentals, bundle discounts & more
Hopefully you haven’t yet filled your iPhone or iPad with new movies to help pass the time while traveling for the holidays. iTunes is now discounting a ton of great titles, headlined by a variety of $4.99 purchases and $0.99 rentals. In addition, there are a number of other Editors’ Choice, Recent Releases and Dreamworks films on sale for $9.99. If you’re looking to really pad your digital movie collection, take advantage of the limited time bundle prices. Amazon Video (compatible with iOS and many other devices) is also matching some iTunes sale prices. Don’t forget, you can save even more if you buy this $100 iTunes Gift Card while it’s on sale for $85. Here are our top picks:
iTunes 12.5.4 update adds TV app support, MacBook Pro Touch Bar scrubbing
In addition to releasing macOS 10.12.2, Apple has issued an update to iTunes that works with the new TV app on iOS 10.2 and tvOS 10.1. Aside from TV app support, the new version of iTunes enhances Touch Bar when scrubbing through media during playback. iTunes 12.5.4 is available on the Mac App Store. Full release notes below:
Apple reportedly in talks with studios to offer home rentals for movies in theaters
Apple already promotes movies that are in theaters with trailers and the ability to pre-order months ahead of time on iTunes. Now the company may be pushing movie studios on letting customers rent movies at home for a premium shortly after they hit theaters.
iTunes 12.5.3 now available with performance improvements, lyrics & playback fixes
Following the release of new iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS betas, Apple this evening has released a new public build of iTunes, bringing the app to version 12.5.3. The update brings a few bug fixes and under the hood improvements and is available for El Capitan and Sierra users now.
Apple to launch new ‘Spoken Editions’ version of written content on iTunes next month
According to a new report from TechCrunch, Apple is working to launch a new form for news consumption in iTunes. The company is apparently developing something it calls Spoken Editions, which are short clips that take writing from a variety of publishers and transform it into spoken word content…
Apple stops offering email delivered gift cards in the United States
Apple has long offered the ability for customers to purchase gift cards online and instantly send them to people via email. The company, however, appears to have recently removed the option from its website in the United States. Oddly enough, the email delivery method is still available in other countries.
Today only: Get 10 movies for $10 on iTunes as Apple celebrates 10th anniversary
Apple is celebrating ten years of iTunes Movies by making bundles of ten available for just $10. The bundles encompass titles from five major studios across Comedy, Drama and Action Adventure genres.
At effectively $1/ea, a lot of these top tier moves from major US studios are no-brainer purchases, if only to have something to watch on airplanes or for the kids. Head below for a breakdown of all the deals:
Apple Music subscribers on iOS 10 & macOS Sierra beginning to see personalized music playlists appear
Just days away from Apple’s September 7th iPhone event, users are beginning to see personalized music mixes appear within Apple Music. Originally shown on stage at the this year’s WWDC by Bozoma Saint John, Apple Music subscribers on iOS 10 and macOS will soon be able to listen to music playlists custom tailored to their tastes and interests.
J.D. Power ranks Apple’s iTunes below average for customer satisfaction among video services
In a new report on customer satisfaction among paid streaming video services, JD Power ranks Apple’s iTunes below the industry average and only above Amazon’s video service as Netflix takes the top spot.
Feature Request: App installs via web w/ a redesigned iTunes + App Store web view
The above concept of how Apple could improve its current iTunes/App Store web view comes from STRV designer Ales Nesetril. It’s not the first time someone has suggested it, but it got me thinking once again about app installs via the web. What is Apple waiting for?
