iTunes 10.5.3.3

iTunes Editor's Review

Soft32 rating: 4

A while back Apple released the latest version of iTunes before the grand release of the iCloud service and iOS 5. Being used more as a multimedia platform, it was obvious that Apple will prepare iTunes to support the Cloud technology and the latest iOS. Now iTunes is the component that ties the iCloud service where you can store your music and TV purchases and your iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch). This means that each purchase will be automatically shared to your computer or portable device.

Besides the iCloud service, iTunes can share your purchases with all your portable devices through your Wi-Fi network at any time. This means no additional costs in case you are at home and you have a proper Wi-Fi network.  Another important feature is that now previous purchases can be downloaded again at no costs if the products are still available in the iTunes Store.

The most notable addition in the latest iTunes is the Ping social network for music addicts. You can now follow your favorite artists and friends and discover what music they are listening to. Thanks to Ping you can also stay in touch with the latest news and updates from your friends and beloved artists. Share your thoughts on any song you have purchased from the iTunes service and all your connections from the Ping network will see them.

Besides the social network music-orientated content, Ping brings also TV show rentals for only $99. The new Apple TV hasn’t been forgotten, therefore Ping comes with direct support for this service and with a slight revision to the user interface.

Pluses: free, direct support for iCloud service, sync option for wi-fi network, Ping, the music oriented social network makes its debut on iTunes, can be acquired without Quicktime;

Drawbacks/flaws: keeps the same bloated aspect while using a lot of hardware resources;

In conclusion: iTunes remains the core of the multimedia content for the Mac users and for anyone that posses an iOS portable device.