Bundled with the new iPhone SDK 8 beta release that Apple shipped out to developers the other day was the pre-release of iTunes 7.7. It seems that iTunes 7.7 will be a requirement for the new iPhone 3G and iPhone 2.0 firmware.
According to the readme file inside the new iTunes Beta, iTunes 7.7 will allow iPhone and iPod touch users to download a free application that can remotely control iTunes on their mac’s. It is said that this will most likely work via a home network wi-fi connection. Reportedly, this free application will be available in the App Store upon the 2.0 firmware release.
Could we see Apple allowing a similar feature through Apple TV soon? Or even Airport Express Capabilities?
Looking for a cool way to control your iTunes without using the iTunes interface, but keeping that cool Coverflow feature? Cover Stream is the way to go. Another cool feature is that the program has the capability to run in the menu and/or dock, instead of always staying on the desktop. It also has an in-program search function that will allow you to search for the artist, song, etc. by typing it into the cover interface. It includes its on internal notification system for when a song changes, or the user can specify to use Growl if they like it better. When you first open Cover Stream, it will search iTunes to create its own disc cover database. Of course if you add songs you will need to re-sync your library, so just enable the ’sync with iTunes on startup’ in the preferences menu.
Cover Stream has full integration with the Apple Remote, allowing users to use the buttons for the normal functions. The ‘menu’ button now enables one of the other cool features, full-screen mode. In full-screen mode you can view all of your album artwork in full-screen. It also includes a LastFm login, so if you use their services you can integrate that into your Cover Stream.
My only complaint is that you cannot move the desktop display without going into preferences. And it has to stay in either of the four corners. Other than that this program has everything you need and more. If you would like to get Cover Stream, click here. A license can be purchased for €14.95 or $23.17 (but that changes daily).
A quick note regarding the start of WWDC tomorrow, and the keynote address.
Apple will be offering the keynote address for download via iTunes in a new video podcast channel called ‘Apple Keynotes’.
The feed will contain the keynote sometime shortly after it is delivered. It will also contain a few keynotes from the past in case you are feeling a bit nostalgic.
Look for the video podcast to be up asap after the keynote is delivered, Apple is usually good about posting recordings of live events very quickly after they happen. I only wish this could be a LIVE feed… wouldn’t that be sweet?
At any rate, to view and subscribe to the Apple Keynotes Video Podcast channel… click here.
The latest iTunes ad featuring Coldplay performing ‘Viva la Vida‘ has to be the most beautiful iTunes ad to date. It first aired last night during the finale of ‘American Idol’. It’s one great looking ad, and on top of that, the song is pretty darn good too. Just finished downloading the song as a result of this one. I’m still waiting for an iTunes ad featuring the Rolling Stones… ‘Start me up‘???… Wait… I think that one has already been used?
An anonymous tipster over at TUAW has reported that plans are in the works to enable iPhone to function as a remote for iTunes. The application is dubbed ‘iControl‘, and like the Apple TV remote and other remote controllers, it would allow the iPhone to connect wirelessly to iTunes libraries to browse and play media.
Frankly I can’t believe this hasn’t been setup already…But I’m glad to hear it is apparently coming! What a perfect remote the iPhone would make. No longer would you be stuck with the physical buttons found on the remotes that come with new systems, and the Apple TV.
While this is all wonderful, and I’m sure we’ll see it in action shortly… What I would absolutely love to see is some sort of app that allows me to use my iPhone as a universal remote control for all of my other electronic devices. TV, DVD Player, Home Entertainment System you name it. This has got to be a possibility, but until Apple start making televisions and dvd players, I wouldn’t expect Apple to build in such functionality…I’d sooner look to some enterprising 3rd party developers to come up with this one…
What other applications would you like to see the iPhone used for?
Starbucks and Apple have announced a new ‘Pick of the Week’ promotion. The promotion offers Starbucks customers a chance to download and listen to complimentary new music and videos each week. Featured artists thus far include a pretty good lineup including Carly Simon, Counting Crows and more.
Every Tuesday more than 7,000 Starbucks locations in the US (sorry Canada) will stock a new ‘Pick of the Week’ download card redeemable at the iTunes Store. The card will get you a complimentary song or video hand-picked by Starbucks and iTunes. The first pick is Counting Crows’ new song ‘Washington Square.’
Once the Pick of the Week cards are distributed via Starbucks locations, customers have up to 60 days from the date of issue to redeem via iTunes.
Eddy Cue, President of iTunes commented:
“Pick of the Week provides an incredible way for Starbucks customers to discover great new music and videos for free on the iTunes Store.. With the world’s largest online catalog of music and video there is truly something for everyone.”
I kind of like this idea. I like Starbucks. I own more than one Mac… I run iTunes… and I enjoy music. If this promotion was only available in Canada I’d be all over it
Bundled with the new iPhone SDK 8 beta release that Apple shipped out to developers the other day was the pre-release of iTunes 7.7. It seems that iTunes 7.7 will be a requirement for the new iPhone 3G and iPhone 2.0 firmware.
Starbucks and Apple have announced a new ‘Pick of the Week’ promotion. The promotion offers Starbucks customers a chance to download and listen to complimentary new music and videos each week. Featured artists thus far include a pretty good lineup including Carly Simon, Counting Crows and more.
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