UPDATE 5: Read the latest on why iTunes 11 did not launch yesterday here.
Apple unveiled a number of new hardware devices today including a new iMac, 13 inch Retina Macbook Pro, and the iPad Mini – but failed to mention anything on iTunes 11, which was promised for "late October".
POSTED 10/22: A newly revamped iTunes 11, first
unveiled during the iPhone5’s debut in early September and promised to be delivered by late October, is likely launching today. The kick off is set to take place during yet another Apple launch, along with the reported debut of its iPad Mini.
The new iTunes is
said to unify the revamped iTunes Store design currently
seen on iOS devices and bring it to the Mac and PC, while also offering several new
features of its own, including complete redesign of the general user interface.
Macnn reports that the new iTunes will ditch its staple "source list",
the left-hand sidebar that includes various information portals for users, in favor of a more visual based user experience. The updated
app also supports a new mini player that will offer more controls than ever
before, yet promises to be kept clean and simple enough to be used as a background
player.
Along with the redesign, iTunes 11 will have iCloud
integrated, where all items from the cloud will contain a cloud symbol next to
them. The iTunes store also gets more integrated, as a small "store"
button will appear to provide users a look at what the store has
available related to a particular artist or album.
Local concert information about specific artists will also be
included in this latest update, and the multiple file types iTunes handles (podcasts,
TV shows, books, movies, radio, etc) have now been added as sub-libraries near
the top of the app.
Click images to enlarge:
Apple's media event kicks off tomrrow at 10:00am PST / 1:00pm EST. We'll keep you updated with more news on the official iTunes 11 launch, so be sure to follow @Hypebot on Twitter for live updates.
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Hisham Dahud is a Senior Analyst for Hypebot.com. Additionally, he is the head of Business Development for Fame House and an independent musician. Follow him on Twitter: @HishamDahud
