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MacWorld reports that Apple has quietly rolled out “iTunes Preview”, a Web-based listing of iTunes Store content that allows users to browse the store’s offerings without the need for an iTunes installed on their devices. While iTunes is still required for listening to song samples and purchasing content, the move to Web-based listings provides a convenient means for users to share links to iTunes content with others without depending on iTunes for viewing purposes. » Apple Deploys Web-Based “iTunes Preview” Online

Boy Genius Report has received a tip from a “pretty reliable source” claiming to have knowledge of several new features to be included in iTunes 9. The rumored features include support for Blu-ray media and visual organization of iPhone and iPod touch applications within iTunes, as well as some form of social networking/media integration.

» Blu-ray and iPhone Apps Organisation Support In iTunes 9?

Apple announced yesterday the possibility to buy or rent High Definition movies. A dedicated HD Movies page has been added to the iTunes Store to highlight the new content.
» Buy or Rent HD Movies via iTunes

It took quite some time but some chinese hackers have cracked the iTunes algorihm. While there are some legitimate digital music download sites in China – including 9Sky, Top100 and the recently launched Wawawa – digital music is proving to be a tough sell in the P.R.C, partly because of the market dominance of Baidu’s free mp3 search. There are, however, people making decent profit in this as yet unmeasurable market: the hackers of Apple’s iTunes store gift vouchers and their local agents.

» iTunes algorithm hacked!

Some users have been reporting crashes of iTunes since the upgrade to firmware 2.2.1 for both the iPhone and iPod Touch. Apple has released a workaround for this. Hit the break to see the letter from Apple iTunes support.
» Firmware 2.2.1 iTunes crash fix

German iPhone news blog iphone-ticker.de, found out that Apple has been doing some work on side of their iTunes Store servers and expects the release of the next iPhone OS version during the next five days.
» Apple getting ready for iPhone OS 2.2 release?

New media company Hot Phone Hit Factory announced the launch of Looking Glass, a monthly travel magazine available exclusively to iPhone users.Looking Glass offers iPhone users monthly, relevant, and up-to-date themed travel information in 12 distinct sections. Young travelers (age 18-34) will be informed and empowered to experience their destinations both physically and culturally.
» New iPhone Travel magazine Looking Glass