Apple has released iTunes 6, the latest version of its popular music jukebox and online music store. Visually indistinguishable to iTunes 5, which was released just 35 days ago, the updated software lets you purchase and download over 2000 music videos and six short films from Academy-Award winning Pixar Animation Studios for just $1.99 each.

Also, thanks to a deal with Disney, iTunes is now offering current and past episodes from popular shows television, 'Desperate Housewives' and 'Lost,' as well as the new drama series 'Night Stalker' and the two most popular shows from Disney Channel, 'That's So Raven' and 'The Suite Life of Zack & Cody,' for just $1.99 per episode.

You can now purchase and download your favourite television shows from iTunes the day after they air on TV, watch them on your Mac or PC, and Auto-Sync them onto the new iPod Video (from £186 ex. VAT) for viewing on the move. 'We're doing for video what we've done for music - we're making it easy and affordable to purchase and download, play on your computer, and take with you on your iPod,' said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. 'Right out of the gate we're offering 2,000 music videos, Pixar's short films and hit primetime TV shows like 'Desperate Housewives' and 'Lost'.'

'For the first time ever, hit primetime shows can be purchased online the day after they air on TV,' said Robert Iger, CEO of the Walt Disney Company. 'We're delighted to be working with Apple to offer fans a new and innovative way to experience our wildly popular shows like 'Desperate Housewives' 'Lost' and 'That's So Raven''. 'Apple is giving music fans a great way to own their favourite music videos,' said Jimmy Iovine, Chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M. 'The people at Apple fully understand the interaction between musicians and their audience.'

Exclusive music videos are available from artists such as Beastie Boys and U2 along with more than two dozen classic music videos from Madonna. Music videos are available from hundreds of artists, including classic hits by Michael Jackson and Sting and current hits from Coldplay and Kanye West. The first ever video iTunes Originals is being released with an exclusive performance and interview from Death Cab for Cutie as well as an exclusive video album from Brazilian Girls.

Music fans can also purchase the Complete Stevie Wonder digital box set, which contains over 500 songs, a full colour digital booklet and three bonus videos, available only on the iTunes Music Store. Movie shorts available from Pixar include 'Boundin',' 'For the Birds,' 'Geri's Game,' 'Luxo Jr.,' 'Red's Dream,' and 'Tin Toy.'

New features in iTunes 6 include expanded online gift options which allow you to give specific songs, albums, music videos or your own iTunes playlists to anyone with an e-mail address, a public beta of new 'Just for You' personalised music recommendations and the debut of online customer reviews. Now more than 10 million iTunes music fans can read other customers' reviews, post their own and rate their usefulness.

iTunes 6 for Mac and Windows includes the iTunes Music Store and is available as a free download immediately from www.apple.com/itunes.

BIOS, Oct 14, 05 | Print | Send | Comments (0) | Posted In Audio