Apple releases iTunes 8.1, Front Row updates
updated 12:25 am EDT, Thu March 12, 2009
iTunes Front Row updates
Apple has released several updates including iTunes 8.1 and Front Row 2.1.7. The latest version of iTunes allows users to import tracks from CDs and save them using the 256kbps iTunes Plus format. The Genius sidebar feature will now recommend TV shows and movies to the user, in addition to the previously-available song listings. The company claims to have improved performance when loading large libraries, browsing the store or syncing devices.
For the Windows platform, the update also addresses a security issue that could have allowed a maliciously crafted DAAP message to cause a denial of service. The DAAP messages are now processed through additional verification. The Mac variant fixes a vulnerability that permitted podcasts to bring up an authentication dialog, potentially enticing the user to send sensitive information to the podcast server.
The Front Row update is required for compatibility with iTunes 8.1. Both updates are available for download directly from the Apple Support pages.
Front Row Upgrade?
03/12, 01:32am reply
When is Front Row gonna have the organizational features of ATV? Sorting by Genre? Sorting by Show in Movies?
designr
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2002
"the iTunes Plus" format?
03/12, 04:17am reply
Sorry, isn't this just 256kbps AAC with no DRM -- as every version of iTunes has been able to encode for quite a while now?
chas_m
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
Re: the itunes plus
03/12, 08:13am (1 reply) reply
I read elsewhere, that maybe the iTunes Plus business could be the encoder Apple uses, not just the bitrate. For example, people always said that LAME encoded a lot better at the same rate than iTunes.
And Apple added an "itunes Plus format" option to the encoding drop down box. So it is new! Before, you had to manually pick it.
And they 'added' iTunes DJ! Same as Party Shuffle, but renamed! OK, they added some stupid 'suggestion' option, probably done because most people looked at Party Shuffle and said "Isn't that just playing a playlist in shuffle mode?"
And, because I know you're all anxious to find out, it does seem to load faster on my mac and it's 600 MB library. Still not as fast as iTunes 7, though, which was near instantaneous.
And Apple added
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
iTunes Dj
03/12, 11:13am reply
I think the new idea behind iTunes DJ is that if you're having a party or in a club(?) then anyone that has the remote application can request to add a song from the library to play, and the everyone that is participating can vote on whether the song requested plays sooner.
Interesting idea, although haven't tried it yet. Great for parties me thinks.
ccrider
Mac Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2001
update killed sound
03/12, 07:22pm reply
Installing the iTunes 8.1 killed my MacBook Pro's sound output. Install the update at your own risk!
Steve in Seattle
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Dec 2000