Apple has expanded its browser-based iTunes Preview — which allowed users to see and play song clips without launching the iTunes client— to now cover software information and reviews from the App Store.
The service is an Apple-hosted Web site that provides the description, price and creator-chosen pictures of any apps for the iPhone and iPod Touch — and eventually the iPad.
The service is nice for browsing some apps without having to open up iTunes or when using a device that doesn’t have iTunes loaded, but it’s not as robust as the regular iTunes interface. There are still a few kinks in the site, and some links for more applications attempt to open the iTunes application.
Currently, there’s no direct search on the site.
Moves like this will fuel the rumors that Apple is looking to introduce a Web-based iTunes service — either by streaming content or just not requiring an iTunes software download. When first introduced, the iTunes preview was expected to morph into a streaming music service, especially in light of the recent $85 million Lala purchase. |
