So, Apple not only announced a new Shuffle today, but they also pushed out iTunes 8.1. It’s not as exciting as we first thought, but there are a few nuggets worth mentioning. Obviously, 8.1 supports the new Shuffle, but it also allows you to rip CDs on an iTunes Plus quality and Genius now crosses over to movies and the boobtube.
iTunes 8.1 is now faster and more responsive. You will enjoy noticeable improvements when working with large libraries, browsing the iTunes Store, preparing to sync with iPod or iPhone, and optimizing photos for syncing.
In addition, iTunes 8.1 provides many other improvements and bug fixes, including:
• Supports syncing with iPod shuffle (3rd generation).
• 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.