Apple Releases iTunes Match, Few Troubles Reported
Apple released iTunes 10.5.1 today.
The recent release of the media player and management software comes as good news for users anticipating Apple’s iTunes Match service.
According to Betanews.com, the service has been expected for some time, “But a series of delays pushed the release date back slightly.”
For those who have had problems with synchronizing all of their files into one cohesive unit or device, iTunes 10.5.1will help with the frustration.
“iTunes 10.5.1 includes iTunes Match, a feature that scans a user's library to find music that wasn't purchased from Apple,” said Josh Lowensohn of CNET.com. “If it finds a match in Apple's own Music Store library, Apple provides a user with a cloud-based version at the same quality they'd find if they bought it off iTunes--at least so long as they're a paid subscriber to the matching service, which costs $24.99 a year.”
Apple is looking to capitalize off of its iCloud service that allows people to access photos, music, movies and apps from a variety of devices like the iPad, iPhone, Mac or even a PC. The iCloud will also keep email, contacts, and calendars up to date across all devices without synchronizing it into a computer. To sum up, it performs as a wireless storage drive.
Even with a large number of people anticipating the application, Apple has come across some trouble.
“Apple's cloud servers are failing to meet demand, with widespread reports iTunes Match isn't available (we've had troubles, too),” reported Betanews.com.
“Even though the service is now available to the public, Apple is still labeling iTunes Match as a ‘beta’ product, meaning bugs may still be present,” said Zack Whitacker of ZDNET.com.
Despite reports of a few setbacks, Apple is moving ahead and releasing iTunes Match to Mac and Windows users in the United States.
To download the application, users can wait for a copy of the software to be offered or manually download the latest version from the Software Update feature.