Apple has released iTunes 8.1, which they are claiming is “Faster, smarter, better.” The updated was expected after the announcement of the new iPod shuffle yesterday. Along with speed improvements, iTunes now defaults to the higher quality 256-Kbps AAC file format when importing CDs. Kind of ironic, really, that they increase the default file size on the heels of a shuffle release, where you need to import lower quality songs to squeeze as much music as possible into 4GBs.
From the announcement:
Now available as a free download, iTunes 8.1 loads large libraries, browses the iTunes Store, and syncs with iPod, iPhone, and Apple TV more quickly than the previous version. There’s more. iTunes now automatically imports music from your CDs as higher quality, 256-Kbps iTunes Plus files, so your music sounds even better than before.
In addition, Autofill now works with any iPod, and Party Shuffle has been redubbed “iTunes DJ.” From Software Update:
iTunes 8.1 is now faster and more responsive. You will enjoy noticeable improvements when working with large libraries, browsing the iTunes Store, preparing to sync with iPod or iPhone, and optimizing photos for syncing.
In addition, iTunes 8.1 provides many other improvements and bug fixes, including:
- Supports syncing with iPod shuffle (3rd generation).
- Allows friends to request songs for iTunes DJ (learn more).
- Adds Genius sidebar for your Movies and TV Shows
- Improves performance when downloading iTunes Plus songs.
- Provides AutoFill for manually managed iPods.
- Allows CDs to be imported at the same sound quality as iTunes Plus.
- Includes many accessibility improvements.
- Allows iTunes U and the iTunes Store to be disabled separately using Parental Controls.
For information on the security content of this update, please visit this website: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1222
In addition, Front Row has been updated to v2.1.7 to improve iTunes 8.1 compatibility.
The iTunes 8.1 update is available via Software Update or at Apple’s website as a free download.
Check out Appletell’s First look: iTunes DJ.
Two questions-
1) What do they mean by "autofill" for manually managed iPods?
2) Where the hell is the Genius bar for TV Shows and Movies? I can't find one!
Apparently, Apple pulled Genius for TV/Movies from iTunes 8.1, but didn't pull it from the update notification. Maybe we can expect it in 8.2?