Along with the new iPods, Apple recently launched a new version of iTunes, iTunes 8. The new version looks very similar to the old version, but has a few new features that we’ve all been waiting for.
The biggest addition to the program is HD (High Definition) viewing. You can now download and watch HD T.V. shows using iTunes. When you buy the show you will also get an iPod ready version with the best settings for your iPod.
Another important background addition is in the accessibility department. It is now screen reader friendly on both Mac and PC. A screen reader basically helps disabled people to use the computer. It uses audio and/or Braille outputs to help the user to understand what is on the screen. It also works for iTunes content so that anybody can now purchase and download from iTunes.
Genius is Apple’s new playlist creator. You choose a song and click on the genius button and iTunes will create a playlist of other songs in your library that, ‘go great together.’ The sidebar will find music on the iTunes Store that goes with the song, helping you to find new music that you may like. It’s a nice addition but nothing groundbreaking.
On the visual side Apple has added two new elements. They have a new Visualiser with 3D spheres, ribbons and lights that move to the beat and they have Grid View. Grid View is just another way to look through your music. Your library will be displayed using the cover art of the albums. It looks great if you have all your album artwork, but if you don’t, this new feature will be of no use to you.
Although iTunes has not changed much at first glance it has taken a huge step forward, a step into the next generation of entertainment. And along with it they’ve given us a few extra features that can be used or ignored at your discretion.
When playing SingStar over the years I have endured something really annoying. The microphone’s wires are often too short, meaning you have to stand on top of the television, they always get tangled, and they are very restricting when it comes to movement. In the heat of a song, at the point where you just want to break out in to spectacular dance, you’re stuck to one spot, fearing the PlayStation’s long fall ending in a disastrous smash.
Although the PS3 does have a Bluetooth receiver built into it, as far as I know, games like SingStar and Buzz both need separate USB receivers to be plugged in. That’s not to say setup isn’t easy. Just plug in the receiver, put it the included batteries, switch on your microphones by pushing the switch up and they’re ‘automagically’ synced to your PlayStation. You’re ready to play!
Questions about South Africa were posted on a South African Tourism Website and were answered by the website owner.
If you can cry under water?
Peripheral vision
