Apple announces iTunes Music Store, iPods


Apple's much-anticipated online music service, the iTunes Music Store, has been officially announced. Tied together with the company's iTunes jukebox software (download), iPod mp3 players (new models announced, see below) and the 1-Click technology that drives purchases on the Apple Store, his Steveness stated users can purchase songs for $0.99 each and that no subscription fee will be charged.

Over 200,000 songs from the five major labels have been "pristinely encoded" in AAC audio (ie the audio component of MPEG-4). Additionally, downloads can be played on up to three Macs and songs can be burned an "unlimited" number of times to CD. Other "free" uses of downloads have been announced as well, including using purchased music as soundtracks for iMovie video and iPhoto slideshows.

Users will be able to browse the library using iTunes 4, as well as view streamed video within the application. Users can also search for specific tracks and listen to 30-second "previews."

Exclusive artists, tracks and even unreleased tracks will be available.

iPod refreshed

Apple has announced three completely redesigned iPods (10GB - $299, 20GB - $399 and 30GB - $499). The two larger models include a docking station and all models are now cross-platform compatible.

Specifically, his Steveness has said the new iPods are now thinner and lighter than two CDs (we're assuming two jewel cases).

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