iTunes 6 brings video to the iPod world

With the release of the 5th version of iPod, iPod with video, it was invetiable that the iTunes software and store would begin to feature video.

iTunes video playback and sale

iTunes 6 plays and manages videos which are licensed for use on multiple computers and video capable iPods, but cannot be burnt onto CD. Through the connection with the iTunes store the software also allows videos to be downloaded and the store currently hosts thousands of music video clips, some short movies and a variety of TV shows, many of which are available the day after they are first shown.

iTunes 6 also has the ability to convert home videos to a format that iPods can play, through the sync home video system. All of this makes iTunes a strong platform for downloading videos to and then uploading them to your iPod.

Other new features

The latest version of iTunes also allows the transfer of specific songs, cd's, playlists or movies as gifts and includes "ministore", an application which monitors the users musical preferences and makes recommendations about what you should buy.

Podcasting is now also possible with iTunes. This is a system which automatically downloads your favourite television and radio shows as soon as they are available in the iTunes music store. This works by getting you to nominate shows you want podcasted and then monitoring the appearance on the iTunes music store while the iPod is connected to the computer and automatically placing it on your player.

Australia's iTunes store

In 2005 an iTunes store opened in Australia, making it legal to download music for your iPod for the first time. While this had some initial problems, notably the fact that artists on the Sony label could not be downloaded, it has since received positive feedback, especially following a deal between Apple and Sony, making their content available.

iTunes 6, what does it mean?

The development of iTunes 6, along with the opening of the Australian iTunes store, makes it very easy for Australian users to download movies to their iPod.