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New redesigned iTunes announced for Mac and PC, available in October

New redesigned iTunes announced for Mac and PC, available in October

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Apple demonstrated a new version of its iTunes software app for Mac and PC during its press event today. The software has been redesigned to be easier to use and offers integration with Apple's iCloud service.

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iTunes hasn't been a fan favorite in recent years, adding in layers of cruft and slowness as Apple has packed in new features into the software. Apple itself began the process of lowering the app's importance with the release of iCloud and the ability to sync iOS devices directly to the cloud.

In addition to all of the new enhancements to the iTunes App Store on the iPhone and iPad that we saw back in June, the iTunes desktop app for Mac and PC is getting a visual makeover that brings it more in line with the mobile versions. The app features a new edge-to-edge design with more visual cues for albums and a darker theme throughout. Albums can be clicked on and expanded in place to see details — not unlike how folders are handled in iOS or the Launchpad in OS X Mountain Lion — and it is now possible to add tracks to playlists while browsing your complete library in a new split screen mode. The redesign also features more modal boxes to avoid the confusion and jumping around that was required in earlier versions of the software. There is also a new version of the iTunes mini player that is cleaner and simpler than before and includes a search box.

Apple has built in its iCloud features to the new iTunes, so users can sync their purchases between their mobile devices and desktop computers with ease. The iTunes App Store offers apps, books, music, movies, and television shows all in one place and now features Facebook Likes integrated into pretty much everything.

Apple says that the new iTunes will be available in October, though it did not announce a specific release date at this time.

iTunes and iOS App Store liveblog pictures

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iTunes press pictures

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