After spending about a week with iTunes 10, I’ve decided that it’s a pretty nice upgrade from 9. Despite a few odd UI revisions (where’s the color!?) the overall interface is simpler to use and puts many important features just a click away. Though Ping is certainly achieving the most notoriety, Apple has also included several additional new features which give the app a much needed refresh. Here are a few cool tips and tricks to try.
1. Stop the Stoplight!
One of the changes I immediately noticed upon launching iTunes 10 for the first time was that the window controls had changed their orientation. For the first time in OS X’s almost ten-year run, Apple has violated their own design standards. If you dislike the new stoplight, there is an easy Terminal command to change it back.
Launch Terminal and enter the following command:
defaults write com.apple.iTunes full-window -1
Next, press return and re-launch iTunes to make the change. You can always revert back to the new style by entering the following command:
defaults write com.apple.iTunes full-window 0
2. iTunes Iconography
The new iTunes icon has received mixed feedback. As mentioned in this week’s Tech Tails, it can be easily changed. To switch out the icon, simply download a replacement, select it, and press Command-I to open the Get Info pane. Select the icon at the top left of the box by clicking it. Next, press Command-C to copy the icon. Browse your Applications folder for iTunes 10, and repeat the Command-I shortcut to view its Info window. Select the iTunes 10 icon, but this time hit Command-V to paste in your replacement. If you need some ideas for a suitable icon replacement, check out InterfaceLIFT’s collection of freebies here.
Another fun icon enhancement is the free DockArt plugin available here. This nifty add-on displays the album art of the song that is currently playing in the dock.
3. Turn Off Checkboxes: ✓
Personally, I’ve never used the checkboxes feature of iTunes. Though I’ve never been particularly put off by their presence, I’ve also never found any real use for them. For the first time, iTunes 10 allows users to disable the checkboxes they choose to. Simply type Command-, to bring up Preferences, and uncheck the “Show list checkboxes” towards the middle of the Preference box. With the checkboxes turned off, you’ll immediately notice that iTunes takes on a less cluttered look.