Apple’s new iTunes Preview feature lets any link to a song, album or artist from the iTunes Store be viewed without having to open the iTunes application. This is especially useful for users who can not install or do not want to install iTunes on their computer.
Prior to iTunes Preview going live, clicking on an iTunes link results in iTunes launching which then navigates to the iTunes Store item. If iTunes is not installed, the user will be prompted to download and install the app in order to view the content. An iTunes link can be obtained by right-clicking on any clickable content in the iTunes Store and then selecting “Copy Link”. The copied link can then pasted on any text or image for use to link back to the original content in the iTunes Store.
But with iTunes Preview, all a user needs is a web browser. No need to launch or install iTunes. Clicking on an iTunes link will open a webpage in Apple’s iTunes website. An iTunes Preview page provides information such as album name, artist name, genre, tracks included in the album, track length, individual cost per track, and customer ratings and reviews plus the list of Influencers, Followers, and Contemporaries associated with the artist. One thing missing on iTunes Preview, something that’s available in the iTunes Store, is the ability to listen to a 30-second preview of a track or song.
iTunes Preview also features the artist’s bio as well as his or her other works including top selling albums and top selling songs as listed on the iTunes Store. A “Listeners Also Bought” section recommends other artists or bands that a user may like based on the current artist or band being viewed.
Though other media content are listed, this service currently only works with music. For now, all iTunes Links to movies, TV shows, podcasts, iTunes U, and the App Store will redirect to the iTunes Store or App Store via iTunes.
iTunes Preview offers the advantage of freeing users from having to install iTunes or have iTunes open every time an iTunes Link is clicked. It also has the advantage of not being regionally restricted.
Check out iTunes Preview at the iPod+iTunes page or at the iTunes overview page at Apple.com.
[via AppleInsider]
Related posts:
#1 by Lyle on 11/16/2009 - 7:00 PM
Quote
A 30-second preview from the web interface would really be helpful.
If amazon can do it, I don’t see why Apple can’t. Well, maybe in the future but it’s a welcome development nonetheless.
#2 by Jim on 11/16/2009 - 9:23 PM
Quote
I agree. I guess it’s a gradual roll out. They might also be working on doing the same thing for movies and TV shows.