iTunes and iTMS for Windows

Well, the rumors were true — and then some! Here’s some quick highlights of today’s Apple Event:

• The iPod is the number one .mp3 player on the market, with a 31% market share.
• Two new accessories (for 3rd generation iPods with the Dock Connector) have been introduced:
  • The Belkin iPod Voice Recorder, which allows you to record voice memos on-the-go and then sync them to your Mac or PC when you’re back home.
  • The Belkin Media Reader, which allows you to move photos off of a camera storage card (Compact Flash, [Type 1 and 2], Smart Media, Secure Digital [SD], Memory Stick, or Multi Media Card [MMC]) and onto the iPod for later import into iPhoto. Never have to worry about running out of space on your camera again!
• The iTunes Music Store has been upgraded:
  • There will be over 400,000 tracks available by the end of the month.
  • Over 200 independent labels have joined with the iTMS for distribution.
  • Integration with Audible now allows for to be purchased directly through the iTMS interface.
  • Gift Certificates can now be purchased for family or friends through the iTMS. Choose how much you want to give, send it off, and the recipient gets an e-mail. One click, and they’re in the iTMS with credit in their account.
  • Parents can now set up Allowances for children — \$10 (or whatever amount is chosen) per month in downloads charged to the parent’s credit card. Essentially an automatically-renewing gift certificate.
  • Celebrity Playlists — recommendations of songs from popular artists.
• iTunes for Windows is now available.
  • Runs on Windows 2000 and Windows XP.
  • Complete feature parity with iTunes for the Mac.
  • Rendevouz music sharing over local area networks works between Macs and PCs.
  • iTMS access is built in to iTunes for Windows, just as it is on iTunes for the Mac.
  • Each track purchased from the iTMS is authorized for play on up to three computers — this can be a mix-and-match of Windows PCs and Macs.
• Two big promotional partnerships were announced:
  • America Online: AOL’s music store now integrates directly with iTunes.
  • Pepsi: 100 million songs will be given away through redemption codes under the cap of select Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, or Sierra Mist bottles. 300 million bottles will be printed, with a one in three chance of winning a free download.

  : http://www.apple.com/itunes/store/books/ “Apple – iTunes – Audiobooks”
  And those are all the key points. Pretty damn impressive! I’ll be playing with iTunes on Windows as soon as I get to work today…

(Much thanks to MacRumors live coverage of the event!)