Version 8 of iTunes also includes the new Genius function, but it also address security issues. Version 8.0.1 improves stability and performance and provides a number of important bug fixes, including: Seamlessly plays the current song when creating a new Genius playlist. Improves syncing spoken menus to iPod nano.

Genius is a useful — and generally well-done — addition, and Grid view may make finding music easier. Aside from that, though, nothing about iTunes 8 is particularly groundbreaking. Genius will build a playlist of tracks you have, based on what you and other listeners like. Although some tracks suggested seemed incongruous, since the playlist is created from music you own, there's less of a chance for completely off-the-wall offerings. Genius Sidebar While you reacquaint yourself with the music you already own, let Genius introduce you to new music youll love. As you select songs in your library, the Genius sidebar displays songs from the iTunes Store that go great with it.

Genius is actually two very different things in iTunes 8 with completely different purposes. The first is basically the ?mini-store? Genius isn't as good as MusicIp but it's easy and instant, and not half bad. I will be using it a lot. Genius playlist is a cool nice new feature, but is ONLY a different smart playlist that has existed in iTunes for years.

Genius playlists help you discover songs in your library you never knew you had ? and rediscover forgotten favorites.

Its intelligence is enhanced if you choose to send data about your listening habits to Apple's mother ship, where that's compared to the preferences of scads of other users. What about your privacy? Steve Jobs says it'll all be kept confidential...

Those of us addicted to HD video will like the fact that Apple has finally added HD capability to iTunes So now you don't have to have an Apple TV to buy, rent and watch HD content from Apple. Standard-def shows that are normally $1.99 will be $2.99 in HD. The iTunes 8.0 software is available for free download.

iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store

Preview, buy, and download music directly to your iPhone or iPod touch. Just find a Wi-Fi hotspot and tap the iTunes icon to shop the Wi-Fi Music Store. Browse New Releases, What’s Hot, Genres, Top Songs, and Top Albums. Or search for what you want. Tap a song to play a 30-second preview or tap the Buy button. Songs start downloading instantly, and you can keep track of their progress by tapping the Downloads button. When you get back to your computer, all the music you bought syncs to your iTunes library. If you’ve partially downloaded a song to iPhone or iPod touch, iTunes completes the download automatically.

iTunes 8 is a software jukebox, with a music store inside. With it, you can create your own personal digital music library to manage and listen to your music collection, all with drag-and-drop simplicity. iTunes encodes high-quality MP3s as well as pristine AAC, all in a free application. If you don't like getting charged a subscription fee or paying for additional features like fast CD burning, your digital music experience is about to get a whole lot better. So get your iTune 8