• Tuesday 07 September 2010
• posted by Sophie Hines
• Comments

Apple has just launched iTunes 10, the latest version of its online software. At the launch, Apple boss Steve Jobs promised some great new features, but are they really enough to stop you hitting the 'Ignore' button every time you're offered the download? 

Here, in simple terms, we explain what's new and, more importantly, whether it's any good.

iTunes Ping  

Facebook and Twitter meets iTunes

With the success of music sharing sites like Spotify, iTunes has decided to go all social with iTunes Ping, described by Steve Jobs as 'Facebook and Twitter meets iTunes'. It's a simple concept - using the new feature, you can follow friends, artists and even complete strangers to find out what it is they're listening to. You'll be able to read their thoughts on the music they've purchased, as well as writing your own comments and reviews. And, in a true homage to Facebook, there's also a like button, allowing everyone can tell you how amazing or crap your taste in music is (perhaps not a great feature for Westlife fans).

As well as providing a new method of musical stalking, iTunes Ping has information on where and when artists and bands will be on tour - over 17,000 live concert listings apparently. With each concert you can click buttons to say 'I'm going' (show off) or to help you 'Find tickets' (useful), although annoyingly listings are not tailored to show only gigs in your particular area - hopefully something they'll work on for the next version.

Another drawback to this feature is the fact you can only share and view info on tracks bought from iTunes, so anyone who gets their music elsewhere won't find it quite so enthralling. 

Additionally, there is a limit of 30 seconds listening time on recommended music, which some users will find annoyingly restrictive. That being said, Ping is a fun way to find out about other's musical tastes, discover some new tunes and share your latest band obsession. 

AirPlay

Stream music to different devices in your house

Another major new feature on iTunes 10 is AirPlay, which lets you stream music wirelessly throughout the house. 

As the Apple website explains: 'Say you have one set of speakers in your bedroom, one in the office, and one in the living room. For the ultimate sonic panorama, you can stream your tunes to more than one room simultaneously, so you'll never lose the beat, no matter where you are in the house'.

Sounds good, the only problems being that you need speaker docks and stereo systems with AirPlay wireless technology. These are become increasingly widely available (companies such as Bowers & Wilkins and Denon are including the technology in their products), but if you don't have them already, the AirPlay feature might not be much good to you.

TV Show Rentals

Because obviously we don't watch enough TV...

Unfortunately, at the moment this feature is only a glimmer in the future for UK customers, since TV rentals are currently availably solely in the US. 

However, we thought we'd mention it since it seems pretty good - instead of having to splash out £50 or so on a box set, you'll be able to rent TV episodes for around 59p a pop (equivalent to the US charge of 99 cents). You'll then have 30 days to watch the episode. We hope they bring this one in quick!