iTunes 8.1 release coincides with new iPod Shuffle

Apple, today upgraded its popular music jukebox software, iTunes to 8.1. The biggest reason for the update is to make it compatible with the new iPod Shuffles which Apple released earlier today. But that wasn't it. Apple updated a plethora of other facets of iTunes...

According to Apple, iTunes 8.1 is now faster and more responsive. Noticeable improvements when working with large libraries, browsing the iTunes Store, preparing to sync with iPod or iPhone, and optimizing photos for syncing are also claimed. 

Small changes:

• Allows friends to request songs for iTunes DJ.Adds Genius sidebar for your Movies and TV Shows.
• Improves performance when downloading iTunes Plus songs.
• Provides AutoFill for manually managed iPods.
• Allows CDs to be imported at the same sound quality as iTunes Plus.
• Includes many accessibility improvements.
• Allows iTunes U and the iTunes Store to be disabled separately using Parental Controls.

What might be the most interesting part of the iTunes 8.1 update is the possibility it will create voice tracks in music to help the iPod Shuffle identify to you where you are in your iPod.  Apple spelled out a patent for this in 2006.  You can read more about it here.

Also, FrontRow, Apple's Media Center type application was updated to work with the new iTunes.

You can get the iTunes 8.1 update by going to Apple's Software Update or by visiting http://www.apple.com/itunes