iTunes
On 9/9/09 at apple’s ‘It’s only rock and roll’ media event, iTunes 9 was launched with a slew of new features. Among the update include a new user interface, a new itunes store, iTunes LP’s, iTunes’s extra, enhanced iPhone/iPod touch application management, social media integration with twitter and facebook, and home sharing. With iTunes LP and iTunes extras digital music and movie distribution will never be the same.

With LP’s, you get the classic LP experience with special features including liner notes, lyrics, exclusive interviews, and a UI for the media. However, the music is not in a lossless format which kills the experience and upgrade status one would expect with an LP purchase. From apple’s point of view, I doubt the music industry want’s online distribution to offer such quality but never the less, without lossless files I will never spend extra money to buy an iTunes LP. With iTune’s extras, digital movies now include some of the dvd extras one get’s when one buys the dvd. Again, apple is trying to upgrade digital media by including extras found in physical distribution.

The improved application management system allows users to organize applications in iTunes instead of directly on their home-screens. This saves a lot of time and streamlines the process. Finally, home share allows users with multiple computers on their network to grab media files from any local machine and copy them to any other local machine. It has never been so easy to make sure all computers on the network have the same media library.

iTunes 9 Walkthrough:

Quicktime X
Launched along side snow leopard, Quicktime X eliminates the need for a pro version by including all features in the application, free of charge. You no longer have to pay extra for movie recording or the ability to save quicktime movies from the internet. Quicktime also includes many new features including the ability to record screen captures, trimming, sharing, and a new UI.

Apple has really tried to make quicktime the Swiss Army Knife of media applications allowing you to watch, create, and share media from with-in the app. For instance, to make a quick video you can capture the moment via the isight or screen capture. From there, you can trim the beginning and end to create the perfect file. Finally, post your movie to mobileme or youtube with one click. It’s really that simple.

Don’t forget, quicktime still is a very well done media player. Most files will play seamlessly in quicktime and the new UI makes it even nicer to watch. With subtle transitions and a classy black overlay, quicktime looks as good as ever.

Quicktime X Walkthrough:

Apple has really improved their media player applications. The iTunes update is really well done and I’m it will give apple a jolt in terms of sales. Quicktime X is no slouch either but I’m not sure if it works with any operating systems before snow leopard. So although it’s free, if it requires snow leopard it’s not exactly a simple upgrade.

In anticipation of this launch, but mostly to clear current inventory, fat PS3 models have been discounted by $100. The 80GB model, for instance, will begin to sell for $299, the same price as the new PS3 slim. According to Sony, these price updates should be effective immediately but most retailers are still reflecting the old prices. Prior to launch, Sony began clearing inventory which makes sense because this price drop doesn’t make me want to run out and purchase an old PS3. I mean, the 80GB model is the same price as the upcoming, improved 120GB slim PS3. 80GB today or 120GB, in a smaller form factor, tomorrow: what would you choose?

It’s about time Sony released this update. The original PS3 was way too big and bulky. It’s almost as if they launch consoles bigger than they need to be just so they can sell a slim version down the road. So far, Sony has done that with their entire PlayStation line and it’s really quite frustrating. Is this an improvement? Sure. Is it worth the upgrade? Maybe. Is Sony benefiting more than the consumer? Definitely.

This new model is 12% smaller than the current DS lite in part because there is no longer a GBA (Game Boy-Advanced) slot. Personally I would have preferred if they kept the GBA slot and the dimensions transferred from the current model to this new model.

The DSi screen’s have both received an upgrade to 3.25 inches each but unfortunately it appears the resolution will remain the same. For storage, the DSi will have an unmentioned internal supply as well as an SD port for expandability.

Additionally on the hardware side, the DSi will ship in both white and black finishes. Plus, they will have an external 3 megapixel camera as well as a front facing camera.

On the software side of things, Nintendo will be selling content directly to the users DSi over the ‘DSi Shop’ including a free web browser application and “DS Ware” game. Using the newly renamed ‘Nintendo Points’ users will be able to purchase additional content priced using either a 200, 500, or 800 point bracket.

• Decrease in call set-up failures and dropped calls.
• Significantly better battery life for most users.
• Dramatically reduced time to backup to iTunes.
• Improved email reliability, notably fetching email from POP and Exchange accounts.
• Faster installation of 3rd party applications.
• Fixed bugs causing hangs and crashes for users with lots of third party applications.
• Improved performance in text messaging.
• Faster loading and searching of contacts.
• Improved accuracy of the 3G signal strength display.
• Repeat alert up to two additional times for incoming text messages.
• Option to wipe data after ten failed passcode attempts.
• Genius playlist creation

This update also address several security issues. Apple even gives specific instructions on how to install the new firmware.

I am still testing this firmware and will get back to you with an update regarding my personal experiences.

Update:
My personal impressions of this new software is in the video bellow. Honestly, apple made a huge mistake shipping buggy software at launch and this 2.1 software update is what the original firmware should have been.