Free media player and purchaser
iTunes is a free media player with the ability to purchase content within the application. iTunes allows users access to playing, organising, and discovering music, movies, tv shows, podcasts, audiobooks, and radio stations. Since Apple’s creation of the application in 2001, a lot of features have come into fruition. iTunes is available to Microsoft users on the Windows operating system.
People can download iTunes for free with Windows and Chromebook operating systems. Upon the installation, users make an ‘Apple ID’ by choosing their username and password; this acts as their login and saves their recorded preferences and purchasing data.
Is iTunes free?
Within the app, consumers can purchase media: songs, albums, movies, episodes, and audiobooks; there are an array of free podcasts in the iTunes store. After users download content, the media is transferred into their iTunes Library – which can be located as the first option on the upper menu bar, or within the left column in the ‘Songs’ tab
Apple offers an optional subscription plan in which the iTunes community has access to any song, and curated playlists: Apple Music. Initially, Apple gives consumers access to Apple Music for free for a trial period. When the trial period concludes, then the subscription fee is renewed monthly; there are different payment plans: student, individual, and family.
To access Apple Music, locate the ‘For You’ button; by following the directions after clicking ‘Try it Now’, people will be subscribed. Features like the ability to read lyrics and have an ad-free experience while listening to songs are available with the subscription. Apple allows Windows users the ability to sync any iOS device together within iTunes on the PC.
Within the ‘For You’ tab, subscribed accounts are updated weekly with playlists that are customised to listeners’ music tastes; this feature is incredible for discovering new music. The Apple Music community will have access to what their friends are listening to by following them. Within this tab, consumers receive artist, genre, and new release recommendations.
The ‘Browse’ tab includes international charts; within this global nav, the Apple Music team generates playlists of the top songs in countries: France, Spain, Canada, Japan, etc. This music app offers the ‘Mood’ section, in which there is an array of playlists and stations associated with each mood: ‘Chill’, ‘Fitness’, ‘Party’, etc.
Video and radio shows are accessible within the ‘Browse’ tab, along with music videos that are searchable, and categorised by genres. Audiobooks can be found with the ‘Search’ bar or within the ‘Browse’ tab, along with unreleased albums that are featured as ‘Coming Soon’.
The ‘Radio’ tab houses broadcast radio stations that users can listen to live: NPR, ESPN, iHeartRadio, etc. Celebrity radio stations can be found within the tab. When there’s a song that listeners prefer, they can click the ‘…’ option near the song’s title and choose ‘Create Station’ to generate a station with songs that are similar.
Here is a detailed look at its features:
- Extensive Media Library: Users can purchase or rent movies, TV shows, and more. The platform also allows for the purchase of music videos and audiobooks, enhancing the multimedia experience.
- Personalized Music Experience: With features like creating custom playlists and stations based on user preferences, iTunes continues to personalize the listening experience.
- Family Sharing: This feature allows up to six members to share their purchases and an Apple Music subscription, making it a family-friendly choice.
- Device Synchronization: Users can manage their Apple devices by syncing content across all devices seamlessly.
- AirPlay: This allows users to stream their iTunes library to various compatible devices wirelessly.
- Accessibility Features: Support for subtitles, additional audio, and closed captioning ensures that all users can fully enjoy their media.
Can you still download iTunes?
While Microsoft users have access to iTunes, people with Apple devices like the Mac, iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch can only access the Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, and Apple TV app within the app store. Apple discontinued iTunes for Mac OS and iOS users, while Windows and other users can still easily access a variety of media within iTunes.
The left column, within the user interface, houses the consumers’ music library, where they can view their recently added media, artists, albums, songs, genres, music videos, and any devices that are synced. Above the left column is a phone icon; within this button, people can sync their Apple iPhone, watch, iPod, or iPad to set up the devices.
To play music, double click on a song within the ‘Songs’ tab; a section with the songs’ title, artist, album , and the ability to shuffle or repeat songs will be accessible at the top of the window. To the left of the songs’ information, listeners can go back, forward, play, and stop songs; adjacent to the control buttons is the volume.
Compatible movies can be played within iTunes: H.264 and MPEG-4. Additionally, people can purchase movies, tv shows, and music videos from the iTunes store; the ability to rent movies is available; to access the videos double click on the media or press the play button after selecting the title. The video will play in a resizable pop-up window.
Consumers can access the video’s controls by moving the pointer on the video’s window. From left to right, there is the volume, Airplay, previous video, reverse, play/pause, forward, next video, chapter selector for movies, subtitles, picture in picture, and full screen buttons.
The ‘Airplay’ button allows for wireless connection and streaming abilities between iTunes and Apple devices. If media comes with subtitles, additional audio, and closed captioning, then that is accessible through the ‘Subtitle’ icon on the video’s screen. The picture in picture is useful for multitasking, or users can enjoy the media full screen.
System requirements
For a smooth experience with Apple iTunes Music Store, certain system requirements must be met. These requirements are necessary to handle the features and the large amount of data that iTunes can manage. Here are the official system requirements:
Hardware:
- Basic Requirements: A PC with a 1GHz Intel or AMD processor supporting SSE2 and 512MB of RAM.
- Standard-Definition Video: Requires an Intel Pentium D or faster, 512MB of RAM, and a DirectX 9.0–compatible video card.
- 720p HD Video: Needs a 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo or faster, 1GB of RAM, and an enhanced graphics card like Intel GMA X3000.
- 1080p HD Video: Demands a 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 2GB of RAM, and superior graphics capabilities such as an Intel GMA X4500HD.
Software:
- Operating System: Windows 7 or later is necessary, with specific versions requiring a 64-bit installer.
- Storage: At least 400MB of free disk space is needed to install iTunes.
- Compatibility: Some third-party visualizers may not be compatible with newer versions of iTunes, so checking with developers for updates is recommended.
Internet and Other Requirements:
- Connectivity: An active internet connection is required to access Apple Music, the iTunes Store, and iTunes Extras.
- Sound and Recording: A 16-bit sound card and speakers are necessary for audio playback. iTunes-compatible CD or DVD recorder is required for creating audio CDs and backup discs.
Alternative applications
Both Spotify and Amazon Music are media playing platforms. While listeners need to pay for Amazon Music, Spotify provides a freemium platform, allowing anyone to download and use the application for free. iTunes is incomparable as the platform can only play purchased media, whether imported from a CD or bought within the iTunes store, although the app is free.
Given that Spotify gives the community access to a grand variety of music for free, and has features like daily mixes and nearby concerts, the platform is preferable over iTunes and Amazon Music.
Organise, discover, and purchase music
With a straightforward and easy to use interface, iTunes allows people the ability to organise their media into playlists, edit file information, and learn which content to purchase. The free application is excellent for storing consumers’ music, movies, tv episodes, music videos, audiobooks, and playlists.
To ensure the best user experience, Apple creates iTunes updates for Windows and other users. To access these updates, choose ‘Help’ on the iTunes interface and click ‘Check for Updates’. By following the instructions, the iTunes community can update to the latest version. If more help is necessary, then users can contact Apple Support.
