Apple Releases iTunes 10.3

Apple today released iTunes 10.3, bringing the first wave of iCloud beta support to OS X. Following yesterday’s keynote event, Apple pushed the first minor “over the air” update to iOS 4.3.3 users bringing a new “Purchased” tab to the iTunes and App Stores. From this tab, iOS users can download previous purchases to their devices for no additional fee.

Today, iTunes has been updated to better compliment Apple’s newly announced cloud services. According to the support document accompanying the update’s release, iTunes 10.3 includes the following:

  • Introducing iTunes in the Cloud beta. The music you purchase in iTunes appears automatically on all your devices. You can also download your past iTunes purchases. Where you want, when you want.
  • Automatic Downloads. Purchase music from any device or computer and automatically download a copy to your Mac and iOS devices.
  • Download Previous Purchases. Download your past music purchases again at no additional cost. Your purchases are available in the iTunes Store on your Mac or in the iTunes app on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Previous purchases may be unavailable if they are no longer on the iTunes Store.
  • iTunes 10.3 also adds Books to the iTunes Store, where you can discover and buy your favorite books on your computer and automatically download them to iBooks on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
  • This version also allows you to use Automatic Downloads with apps and books or download previously purchased apps and books from your computer or iOS device.

iTunes 10.3 is available now via Software Update or by direct download here. iTunes 10.5—which will establish full iCloud support—is slated for release this fall.

Similar Posts

  • iPad Review Roundup

    It’s getting rave reviews… here are some highlights. Feel free to share your thoughts with us below! Boing Boing PC Mag.com CNET NY…

  • Happy Birthday, iPod!

    Today, Apple’s iPod turns 7. On October 23, 2001, Steve Jobs introduced the 5GB iPod to the world, declaring it “will put 1,000…

  • Apple Recalls 1.8 Million Notebook Batteries!

    Apple is recalling 1.8 million lithium-ion notebook batteries after nine devices overheated, causing minor burns in two users. Apparently this is the second-biggest…

  • Changes Abound in AT&T's Newly Announced Tethering and Data Plans

    As of this morning, AT&T has officially announced tethering for iPhone. While this feature is long overdue and will undoubtably make many iPhone customers happy, not all of the news is good. With the announcement of tethering, AT&T has also made some major changes to both the iPhone and iPad data plans. By far the most controversial move on AT&T’s part is the introduction of data limits on their previously “Unlimited” 3G data plans.

    Starting June 7th, AT&T will do away with their $30 unlimited plan for new iPhone users. In its place, two new plans with limited data caps will be introduced.

    *Data Plus: 200MB for $15/month. (Additional 200 MB for an extra $15)*

    This plan seems most ideal for “light” iPhone users, or those who have consistent Wi-Fi access throughout their day. Still, the plan seems a little stingy for anyone looking to stream any kind of media over the 3G network even if it is for a short period of time. Even regular web browsing/emailing over 3G can add up quickly when navigating to data rich pages or downloading attachments.

    *Data Pro: 2GB for $25/month. (Additional 1 GB for an extra $10)*

    While AT&T claims 98% of iPhone users use less than 2GB/month, the prospect of a limited data plan still seems a bit frightening. For anyone regularly streaming video to their device over 3G via apps like “Air Video”:http://www.inmethod.com/air-video/index.html;jsessionid=471FDB20A2C224C651F1FB031E413F4B, it is possible to hit 2GB of data in only a few days of regular use. Even over the course of a month, regularly using streaming radio apps like Pandora or Slacker can seriously add up.

    *Tethering: Extra $20/month for Data Pro Customers*

    Tethering is slated to be deployed with the release of iPhone OS 4.0 sometime this summer. As of now, the option is only available for Data Pro ($25/mo.) customers. The added $20/month to enable tethering raises the price of the comprehensive package to $45/month. That’s $15 more than the current Unlimited plan, but with the 2GB/mo. cap still in place.

    The newly established Data Plus plan will become available on the 7th, and the Data Pro plan will replace the formerly available $30/month unlimited data option. AT&T has confirmed that this new limited plan will replace the current $30 Unlimited iPad plan as well.

    If this isn’t quite music to your ears, don’t fret. AT&T claims that existing iPhone and iPad users with unlimited data plans will be “grandfathered” into the new program. This essentially means that existing iPhone and iPad users will be able to keep their current unlimited plans with the option of opting for a new plan at some point in the future if they choose.

    This controversial move has riled up some customers and has generated a very mixed response towards AT&T. While light data users will benefit from the option of the cheaper $15/month Data Plus plan, the majority of iPhone and especially iPad users who enjoy streaming media services such as Pandora and Netflix over 3G will likely feel a bit upset. While I have my own opinions regarding this issue, it would be great to hear other thoughts as well.

  • Over 3 Billion Sold

    Three Billion Songs Sold! By Don@Smalldog.com Sort of reminds me of the McDonald’s signs. I’m from Chicago and am old enough to remember…