iTunes 11 -- initially set to launch this month -- has been pushed back to November. Of course, since today is Oct. 30, that's no big surprise.
"The new iTunes is taking longer than expected and we wanted to take a little extra time to get it right," Apple spokesman Tom Neumayr told "Macworld" (www.macworld.com). "We look forward to releasing this new version of iTunes with its dramatically simpler and cleaner interface, and seamless integration with iCloud before the end of November."
In September Apple announced the new iTunes for Mac and PC featuring a completely redesigned player, integration with iCloud, and a new look for the online music, apps, TV and movie stores. It will feature a dramatically simpler and cleaner interface that keeps your favorite iTunes content at the forefront, according to Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services. With iCloud integration, your music, movie and TV purchases made on any of your iOS devices or computers is conveniently displayed in your iTunes library on your Mac or PC, available anytime you want them.
The redesigned iTunes Store, App Store and iBookstore have been rethought to make buying your favorite content on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac or PC simpler than ever, says Cue.
"We created iTunes because we love music and we’re going back to our roots with an incredibly clean design that keeps your music at the forefront," he adds. "The new iTunes works seamlessly with iCloud, always keeping your entire library at your fingertips, and we’re adding great new features that make listening to your music more fun.:
The redesigned iTunes features a full-window interface on your Mac or PC that’s simpler and cleaner, always keeping your favorite content in front of you. The new library view is designed to make it easier to view your music, TV shows and movies, allowing you to click on the category of content you want to browse and that’s all you will see.
The expandable album view allows you to see track listings for an individual album, while letting you continue to browse your music library. The new search feature searches across your entire iTunes library, including music, movies and TV shows.
The re-imagined MiniPlayer makes it easy to control your music with a small tool bar, you can skip to the next song or search for something new to play -- all without having to open your library. Up Next is a fun new way to see what songs are coming up and queue songs or albums you want to hear next.
With iCloud, all of your iTunes purchases are in the cloud and can be accessed from your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, PC or Apple TV. The new iTunes features integration with iCloud, which automatically puts all of your purchases into your library on your Mac or PC, regardless of which device you used to make the purchase. iCloud also remembers where you are in your favorite movies or TV shows no matter which device you’re viewing on.
The redesigned iTunes Store, App Store and iBookstore feature a clean design that makes shopping easier and more fun, says Cue. Featured content is showcased right at the top and easy-to-browse shelves serve up popular music, movies and TV show choices. You also have a preview history that shows you all of the music, movies and TV shows you’ve sampled. iCloud keeps your preview history across all of your devices. Additionally, users can preview 90 second clips of songs while continuing to browse the store.
The new iTunes will be available sometime in Novembeer as a free download at www.itunes.com .
