aNewDomain.net — With all of the focus on the launch of Apple iOS 7, don’t overlook the fact that Apple updated some of its other software and services, too. Here’s a look at what you might have missed while the tech world pretty much focused solely on the pros and cons of the big new mobile release of iOS 7.
Everyone is thinking now about iOS 7, I know. They’re staring at screens like this one. But scroll below for some key final and open beta releases Apple announced on iOS 7 day, too.
Image credit: Apple
Did you notice the new Apple iOS 7 iCloud.com design? Check it out below.
The final version of the brand new iCloud website is now available. It’s been redesigned to match the iOS 7. And it has redesigned versions of Mail, Calendar, Reminders, Notes and Find my iPhone.
The beta versions of iWork for iCloud are available, too. This is the free suite of productivity apps, among them Pages, Numbers and Keynote. These are intended to compete with Google Docs and Microsoft Office Web Apps.
Most underplayed event of the day — the new Apple iTunes 11.1 for Windows and Mac
Lost in the Apple iOS 7 news was something big — there’s an update of Apple iTunes to 11.1. After you install the upgrade, you’ll see it pushes the new iTunes Radio feature right away. This new feature offers 250 stations by default — and it lets you easily create your own station choices. If you subscribe to iTunes Match, there’s more good news. The streaming content is ad-free.
Adding new stations is as easy as it is in other established streaming music services like MOG, Spotify or Xbox Music. Just select a music genre — or search for a specific band, artist, album or even a specific song to start building your stations.
Apple iOS 7 paired with iTunes lets you sync with iOS 7. Also, the new iTunes rev on iOS 7 lets you use iTunes to sync your favorite music, movies and other rich media content to Apple devices with iOS 7 installed. Finally, iTunes now makes it easier to quickly organize and sync apps to your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. It was pretty easy before. So this is an even-bigger plus.
And check out those podcast stations. Apple execs announced you now are able to create custom stations of your favorite podcasts that update automatically with new episodes. Your stations, subscriptions and current play position sync over iCloud to the Podcasts app.
Here’s how to download iTunes 11.1 for Windows and Mac
For aNewDomain.net, I’m How To gallery editor and site co-founder, Brian Burgess.
Based in Pelican Rapids, MN, Brian Burgess led the relaunch of BYTE with Gina Smith, co-founded aNewDomain.net with Gina, John C. Dvorak and Jerry Pournelle in 2011, and serves as the editor-in-chief of GroovyPost.com. He is the How To gallery captain here at aNewDomain.net. Email him at Brian@aNewDomain.net or Brian@Groovypost.com and find him on Google + and on Twitter as @mysticgeek.
Great piece, Brian. All your stuff is so damned good. Thanks for the tips on iTunes 11.1. I DID miss it.
The problem I have with iTunes Radio and the Music app on iOS in general is the lack of control over downloads. I was playing with the radio and downloaded a few songs but they weren’t added to my purchased playlist automatically or any of my smart playlists. The user should be able to make/edit/delete playlists including smart playlists (that auto update) and add ratings and have it sync between devices through iCloud …
iTunes was missed by Mac users because it wasn’t showing up in Software Updates. I had to manually install it twice. Maybe by now Apple has corrected this issue.
[…] have. So, let’s say I have a digital iTunes collection. Great! Super common, fairly easy to use (we can help if it doesn’t seem so easy) and modern. I likely bought the album in the past — digitally or on CD — and burned it to my […]