Apple releases iTunes 7.2

As expected, Apple today released iTunes 7.2 (Windows), an update to its popular music jukebox and video management software for both Mac and Windows. Available via the Mac OS X Software Update, the 29.2MB enables users to preview and purchase iTunes Plus music—new higher-quality, DRM-free music downloads from participating music labels--although the iTunes Store itself has not been updated with DRM-free music. The Cupertino-based company, which announced the deal with EMI in April, will allow users to upgrade their current music and Apple's help documentation notes that songs without DRM protection, called "iTunes Plus," have no usage restrictions and feature higher-quality encoding.

"The first time you buy an iTunes Plus song, you specify whether to make all future purchases iTunes Plus versions (when available). You can change this setting by accessing your account information on the iTunes Store," the company wrote. "If you already have iTunes Store purchases that are now available as iTunes Plus downloads, you may upgrade your existing purchases. To do so, visit the iTunes Store and follow the onscreen instructions."

by MacNN Staff