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New iTunes 8.0.1: Apple fixes HDTV episode problem

Apple iTunes 8.0.1 was the update many users have been waiting for; this version fixes bugs reported by thousands of iTunes users.

The 58.5MB download fixes the HDTV episode problem; the last iTunes download would overwrite high definition versions of TV shows with SD content that’s meant for transfer to iPods and iPhones Read more

No Access SSL iTunes Problem: iPhone 2.0 Update

We are hearing of massive problems in updating the iPhone firmware to iPhone 2.0, users are getting a message that tells them of an SSL error, no secure connection.

Our readers were reporting of connection errors to iTunes which would obviously be because of the overwhelming demand to get the software update, but following O2’s problems because of 13,000 orders a second, you would expect a computer company like Apple to be able to handle this load today.

Users trying to update to iPhone 2.0 are reporting “has been updating, seems to have gone through all the steps successfully, though in iTunes under devices, a window is displayed Accessing iTunes Store for last 10 minutes” and another user said “the iTunes store is timing out when it’s trying to activate the device”.

This is leaving some users in a position where their iPhone has been left like a brick, half installed. The latest problems many people are reporting is along the lines of a secure connection error.

If you want to know how to get through the error, the best advice is to keep trying as you should eventually you get through.

Rhapsody to launch assault on Apple iTunes: while embracing iPod

When it comes to digital downloads there is only one big boy in town for most people, and that is Apple iTunes. Will it looks like they are about to face an assault from the likes of Rhapsody, as this digital music reseller is about to launch a $50 million assault on Apple’s download service. Rhapsody will be offering songs available to download online via partners who include Yahoo Inc and Verizon Wireless.

According to Reuters, the songs which are available for download will be in MP3 format, so if you are using the Rhapsody service you will be able to play them on iPods. This is a new move from Rhapsody, as they only used to focus on a subscription service. This allowed people access to unlimited song streaming for $13 to $15 a month, unlike the download service which Apple does.

Rhapsody, which is jointly, owned by Real Networks Inc and Viacom Inc’s MTV Networks will have a tough time on their hands to take on the might that is iTunes. Rhapsody Vice President Neil Smith has said “The fact the service has not been compatible with Apple Inc’s top-selling iPod digital player has limited Rhapsody’s reach.” He also added “We’re no longer competing with the iPod, we’re embracing it.”

Rhapsody will have some great help along the way though, as it will be the music store back-end to MTV’s music Web sites as well as iLike, this is one of the most used applications that is used on the social networking site Facebook. Rhapsody will also be available on cell phones via the Verizon Wireless VCAST Music service; it looks as though Rhapsody is launching this assault on iTunes from every angle. If a buyer has purchased that song over-the-air on to their mobiles, they will then be able to transfer it on to their computer, which can then be transferred on to their MP3 player, or iPod.

Rhapsody is not the only player to try and launch an assault on Apple’s iTunes, who have a 70 percent-plus market share of U.S. digital music sales. Just last month Napstar launched an MP3 store, and last year Amazon.com Inc and Wal-Mart Stores Inc both launched music download stores. However; as yet none of these has made a dent in the market share of iTunes, so will Rhapsody be any different.

Tesco digital music download service vs Apple iTunes

It would not be the first time someone thought they could challenge Apple iTunes for a piece of the music download business, but this time it’s Tesco Digital and they have got a pretty good track record of giving the consumer value for money. The UK supermarket chain is planning to open its online shop next month with games, films, music, television programmes for digital players and that includes the iPod.

The download business is growing steadily thanks to faster connection speeds and the feeling of getting a good deal that in most cases is cheaper than buying in a store. Tesco Digital will offer a choice of 3.3 million tracks and half of these songs will be able to play on any music player in MP3 format. This means the song you want could well be on Tesco Digital and able to play on your mobile phone or any iPod/PMP.

You will have to wait to the end of 2008 if you want to download episodes of TV programmes and films from Tesco Digital, so it will be a long time before this service is really up to iTunes standard. The good point of Tesco’s download service is the fact that the tracks will come without digital rights management (DRM) software and this gives you a bit more freedom (Tesco will be the first large retailer to offer tracks like this to UK consumers).

We would all like to see Apple make iTunes DRM free/open, but sadly things are a bit more complicated than that. We will update you when we get an idea on what the download prices will be.

Source: Read

MySpace wants to end Apple iTunes domination with new mp3 store

As we know Apple iTunes dominates the MP3 download world, however MySpace who has entered a joint venture with Sony BMG, Universal Music and Warner Music Group in the hope of distribute music through the MySpace social networking site.

In the joint venture MYSpace will to have a comprehensive range of file formats, although you will have to pay for these files some will be available for free. There will also be a range of services which you can download to your cell phone.

With all of these companies pulling their resources together, you would think that they will be able to stop the domination that Apple iTunes have.

Source - Blorge

Apple iTunes 7.6.2 update released: bug fixes to improve stability

Apple iTunes 7.6.2 update is now ready for you to download; Apple released the update yesterday (April 2, 2008). The update is said to “Provides bug fixes to improve stability and performance” and that’s about it. You can either download the update via Apple’s website here, or you can go to the (Apple menu > Software Update) section in the iTunes software. The file is 45MB; let us know if you notice anything else in this update.

Apple iTunes Update: Programs from Germany’s Top Networks & Hit US Shows

Apple has announced today that hit US TV shows and programming from Germany’s top networks is now available on the Apple iTunes Store in Germany. These TV networks include MTV, ABC Studios, Brainpool, ZDF Enterprises, Sat.1 and ProSieben. The Television shows cost €1.99 and €2.49 per episode in Germany, once brought the user can view them on their widescreen TV with Apple TV, iPhone, iPod, PC or Mac.

The new US TV shows include South Park, Grey’s Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, Lost and Germany shows include Shaolin Wuzang, Switch!, Tramitz and Friends, Stromberg, Kaya Yanar-Made In Germany and many more.

Source: Apple Press Release

First Lionsgate film getting Apple iTunes treatment is Rambo 2008 on May 27

Lionsgate and Apple are working together to bring more titles to iTunes thanks to Apple’s Digital Copy for iTunes. We are also hearing that the first Lionsgate film getting Apple iTunes treatment will be Rambo 2008 and that will be made available on May 27th.

What’s cool about Digital Copy for iTunes is the ability to copy your Sony Blu-ray or DVD movie to your iTunes library, although this will only be available on select discs. This movie can then be viewed on your Apple TV, iPhone, iPod with video and Mac computer.

Source: Read | Via SlipperyBrick

Apple deny Beatles iTunes deal: contrary to Paul McCartney sources

Following on from out story the other day, where Sir Paul McCartney signs Apple iTunes deal. It seams that our source UPI got some facts wrong about the story. Apple has denied that the Beatles iTunes deal has been made.

It seems that a unnamed source close to ex-Beatle McCartney said that the deal had already been done, and that the entire back catalogue would be available in the next few months.

So we still do not know when the Beatles catalogue will be available for download on Apple iTunes.

Source - NZ Herald

Apple iTunes Store special: Movie of the Week, only 99-cents

Apple iTunes always offer a great deal once in a while and there new deal has to be the best offer yet. You can download the Movie of the Week for just 99-cents. The title of the movie is Read more

Apple iTunes 7.6.1 Software Update: Improved compatibility with Apple TV

Apply have announced yet another new iTunes software release, this update is version iTunes 7.6.1 and is thought to fix a number of Read more