iTunes 9 to have social networking companion? [u]
updated 09:40 am EDT, Tue August 11, 2009
iTunes 9 social ties?
(Updated with images) The social networking aspects of iTunes 9 could be more elaborate than previously suggested, says a source responsible for earlier rumors. Beyond just providing basic interaction with sites like Twitter and Facebook, Apple is said to be looking to tie iTunes to a separate social networking app, which could function similarly to Yahoo's OneConnect and merge multiple services. It is not known if the app is intended for Macs or iPhones and iPods.
Users would be able to announce their current listening habits, and share music with others. Some other features could involve discovering new friends through mutual connections, and updating status text on several websites simultaneously.
On the subject of an unrelated iTunes option, organizing iPhone apps, users will allegedly be able to sort titles by name, genre, and the date they were added. Alternately, icons could be placed into a custom arrangement to suit personal preference.
The software's main feature is expected to be support for Blu-ray, finally enabling native playback of the format on Macs. Though now the de facto HD standard, Apple has been generally resistant to adopting it because of licensing and copy protection, as well as competition with the iTunes Store.
Update: Leaked photos purport to show some of the social features of iTunes 9, including a dedicated Last.fm library, which can display relevant info such as tags, artist information and recommendations. Also visible in the images are Facebook and Twitter icons, and a new "Social" playlist. The leak is said to have come from a Chinese Apple forum.
Ugh..
08/11, 10:12am reply
Like iTunes really needed yet more bloat.
Grrr
Grizzled Veteran
Joined: Jun 2001
ooh ooh
08/11, 10:21am reply
Can we have social networking??? Can we please??? There just isn't enough social networking sites and applications out there. We need one more!!!! Please!!!!!
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
hmmmm
08/11, 10:24am reply
You know how people say "I remember MTV when it actually showed music videos". I fear we're heading to the day where we'll be saying "Remember when iTunes used to play music!"
I think, if we follow the Netscape timeline, iTunes is hitting the Netscape Communicator 4 area, the 'end-all, be-all, one-stop place for all things'.
So how soon before they realize its too large and then break it up into a bunch of smaller applications that do their one job really well?
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
BluRay
08/11, 11:00am reply
While I suspect BluRay is coming to Macs, what a lot of commentators seem to have forgotten is that the main platform for iTunes is still Windows PCs, many of which - unlike Macs - already have BluRay drives.
If the intention is for iTunes to become your central media player, Apple can't ignore the needs of Windows users.
And like some commenters here I find I'm actually starting to open audio in Quicktime, because iTunes now takes a seriously long time to start up / a lot of memory with my oversized collection.
JulesLt
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jul 2005
I hope...
08/11, 11:28am (1 reply) reply
I hope they call it "SpaceBookTunesTwit"
eldarkus
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2004
oh man...
08/11, 11:33am reply
Now people might say it all the time, but those icons are so obviously photoshoped it's not even funny...
MyRightEye
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2008
Oh get real
08/11, 11:39am reply
After looking at the full size images after the jump, it's so freaking obvious that this is a fake, it's not even remotely well done. Why are you falling for this BS? Oh that's right, you're MacNN.
MyRightEye
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2008
You're right about
08/11, 03:10pm reply
that Netscape Communicator 4. I'd forgotten about that. That thing grew into a monster. iTunes does seem to be getting bigger and bigger. I have no problems with it, though, on my Macs.
Constable Odo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2007
I'd like a Big Off Button
08/11, 06:00pm reply
Please Apple also include an OFF button for social networking.
bleee
Mac Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2002