iTunes 8 review

Posted by T3 Online on Tue 14 Oct 2008

Is it a work of a genius?

Signing up:
If you want to buy tunes, you’ll need an iTunes, Apple or AOL account, which you get by registering online. Then it’s just a case of downloading iTunes to your computer - either a PC or Mac.

Transferring:
iTunes has a terrific interface, making it easy to organise tracks and create playlists to transfer onto your mp3 player. One click takes you directly to the iTunes store to purchase tracks.

Tune choice:
With over 8 million tracks, there are heaps of tunes to choose from, although you might not find those hidden indie gems.

Prices:
At 79p a song, or £7.99 an album, music is fairly priced. If you buy a single and decide you like what you hear, Complete My Album gives you credit if you then go back and buy the album.

File formats:
Tracks are sold in protected AAC format, which comes with lovely DRM, so it will work on iPods and a limited number of other players. Unfortunately you can’t copy tracks between iPods and you can only play them on five authorised computers

Bit rates:
iTunes AAC tracks are sold at a bit rate of 128Kbps, but upgrade to iTunes Plus and you can get tracks at 256kbps, without any DRM. Although file sharers beware - your name and address are embedded in each track. HB TO CHECK

Just music?
As well as music, you can download Podcasts (from free), films (£2.49 or £3.49), TV programs (£1.89 each) and Audiobooks. Games and apps are also available for the iPhone and the Touch.

Extras:
Cover flow locates album covers for you to flick through, alternatively there’s the new Grid View. Genius Playlists creates a playlist based your choice of track, so selecting Duran Duran might bring up a selection of cheesy 1980s tunes. The new Genius Sidebar takes it further, suggesting songs from iTunes you might like.

Free trial:
No free tracks unfortunately. Even if you’re not buying tunes, you can still use iTunes to organise music, your music.