iTunes Review
| iTunes Site | |
| Website address | |
| iTunes Download Plans | |
| Song Download | $0.99 DRM $1.29 DRM Free (EMI tracks) |
Overview - iTunes is your one stop shop for iPod content. They offer access to over 6 million songs (1 million+ DRM free) along with movies, music videos, Internet radio, TV shows, podcasts and even audiobooks.
History - iTunes released its first software in January 2001 with support for Mac OS 9. Since then they have added support for Mac OS X, Windows 2000, XP and vista as well as 64 bit operating systems.
Song titles - iTunes has the largest catalog with over 6 million song titles. This is cooupled with access to movie downloads, music videos, Internet radio, TV shows, podcasts and audiobooks.
Music - iTunes offers a collection of over 6 million songs formatted as Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) files. Many feel AAC files offer better sound quality than MP3's. Downloads of DRM songs are at 128 kbps. In comparison the DRM free tracks are offered at 256 kbps.
Search - iTunes allows you to search for music by keyword, song title, artist, album, track, composer, video, and more.
Pricing Plans - iTunes offers a simple pricing plan for downloading songs. You can download any of their 6 million DRM protected tracks for $0.99. In 2007 Apple also started offering DRM free tracks for $1.29. So far this encompasses their EMI selection of around 1 million tracks.
Supported devices - iTunes supports Apple iPods of every shape and size but nothing else. On the flip side iPod users are limited to only a few options including iTunes, eMusic and Amazon Music.
Digital Rights Management - iTunes uses Apple's FairPlay digital rights management (DRM). This allows you to download and listen to songs on any number of iPods and up to five computers. It also lets you burn to standard audio CD unlimited times. DRM free tracks come without restriction.
Supported Operating Systems - iTunes is compatible with Windows Vista and XP, MAC OS X, and 64 bit operating systems.
Customer Service - iTunes offers online support and helpful tips to get you started. They also offer hands-on free training and help in any of there B&M Apple stores.
Bottom line - iTunes offers access to over 6 million songs, movies, music videos, Internet radio, TV shows, podcasts, audiobooks and more! If you are looking for iPod music at $0.99-$1.29 a track then iTunes is king. If you are looking for a lower cost alternative then eMusic or Amazon Music are both solid options.