iLounge

At its special event today, Apple introduced the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store, which offers users the ability to browse, search, preview, purchase, and download songs directly from their Wi-Fi-enabled iPod touch or iPhone. The purchased music is downloaded directly to the user’s device, and is transferred back into their iTunes Library the next time the iPod or iPhone is synced with the user’s computer. Prices and selection on the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store are the same as on the regular iTunes Store. “The iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store is really fun—you can browse, search, freely preview, buy and instantly download music right onto your iPod touch or iPhone,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “Innovative products like this keep iTunes at the forefront of the digital music revolution.”

Apple also released iTunes 7.4 today, the latest update to the company’s music jukebox software. The updated software features a larger viewing area for video, filling the entire iTunes window for a better playback experience. In addition, users can also now rate entire albums as well as songs. iTunes 7.4 is available immediately as a free download though Apple’s Software Update application and at www.itunes.com.

Apple today also announced the ability for users to create custom ringtones from music purchased from the iTunes Store. This $0.99 option allows users to select up to a 30-second segment from over one million participating songs on iTunes and sync them to their iPhone. This works on both newly- and previously-purchased tracks. Users can personalize their ringtones by choosing which portion of the song they want to use, and by setting custom fade in and fade out points. Customers still have full use of the originally purchased song. Both the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store and custom iTunes ringtones for iPhone will be available later this month.