Apple at its 9/9/09 iPod “Rock n’ Roll” event updated its entire iPod product line. The first surprise was oft rumored: Steve Jobs appeared on stage at the Yerba Buena Center for the first time since his return to Apple following his 6-month leave-of-absence. He declared that he was “vertical” and certainly still looked somewhat frail, but healthy nonetheless.
Steve jumped straight into the usual pitch about iPhone and iPod sales, and Apple’s profit numbers, then immediately released the much anticipated iPhone 3.1 Software Update. While there were several new features such as Genius Mixes and non-destructive video editing for the iPhone 3GS, it wasn’t a stunningly groundbreaking update. One of the bigger feature, though, is that 3.1, in conjunction with iTunes 9, allow for easier app management on the iPhone. Software Update 3.1 is free for all iPhone users and iPod touch users who have already paid for the 3.0 software.
During the entirety of the keynote, iTunes 9 was released, touted the most substantial upgrade to iTunes in its existence. iTunes 9 sports a redesigned interface, which takes a drastic step away from the aqua/metal/smooth metal interface, and now sticks out like a white sore thumb along with other OS X windows. It has become evident that Apple uses iTunes as it’s playground for interface design experiments: so was the case for the brushed metal to smooth metal transition. Does this mean Mac OS X 10.7 will have this “white-metal” look?
iTunes 9 also boasts a reorganized iTunes Music Store with features such as iTunes LP, which allows you to purchase and download companion materials to your music and videos. Also included are Genius Mixes and the like. In addition, the new iTunes Music Store features social networks integration, for you to boast the hell out of your new Beatles purchases. Oh wait, the Beatles didn’t come to iTunes..
iTunes 9 is available for download today.
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