Apple Releases iTunes 7.4.2

UPDATE:
Yep, the ringtones added using the .m4r method are moved out of the ringtones folder to the music library. Still looking for a workarounds.

Hot off the grills, iTunes 7.4.2 is out.
We’ll see if this Update closes the ringtone loophole.

iTuners Icon

Apple posts iTunes 7.4.1 for both Mac and Windows.

iTunes 7.4 for Mac (38.3MB) | for Windows (49.1MB)

About iTunes 7.4.2
With iTunes 7.4, sync your favorite music and more with the new iPod nano (third generation), iPod classic, and iPod touch, plus create custom ringtones exclusively for iPhone with many of your favorite songs purchased from the iTunes Store. You can now also play purchased videos with closed captioning (when available), easily rate your favorite albums from one to five stars, and watch videos at a larger size inside the iTunes window.

What’s New in this Version
iTunes 7.4.2 addresses an issue with creating ringtones using iTunes Plus song purchases and includes bug fixes to improve stability and performance.

iTunes 7.4.1 was released on September 7th.

Apple Posts Info for The $100 iPhone Credit

http://www.apple.com/iphone/storecredit/

iPhone $100 Store Credit

Requests for the $100 credit must be submitted by November 30, 2007.
You must activate your iPhone with AT&T prior to submitting your claim. Once you activate, return to this page after 24 hours to request your credit

As promised, Apple posts the information on the $100 credit for iPhone purchased before August 22nd, 2007.

$100 Apple Store Credit for Early iPhone Owners

If you bought your iPhone before August 22, you may be eligible for an instant $100 electronic credit toward the purchase of products at the Apple Retail Store or the Apple Online Store. See the terms and conditions below for more details.

To receive your credit, follow these three easy steps.

Step 1: Identify your iPhone

To confirm eligibility, simply enter your phone number and iPhone serial number in the fields provided.

Step 2: Enter your access code

You will receive an SMS text message on your iPhone containing the access code to redeem your $100 credit. Enter your phone number and your access code in the fields provided to generate an electronic store credit.

Step 3: Get your $100 Apple Store credit

You will receive a $100 electronic store credit to purchase products at the Apple Retail Store or the Apple Online Store.

Apple iPhone $100 Credit Access Code

Related:

http://www.apple.com/hotnews/openiphoneletter/

Apple Posts iTunes 7.4.1

Apple posts iTunes 7.4.1 for both Mac and Windows, just a little over a day after iTunes 7.4 was released.

iTunes 7.4 for Mac (38.3MB) | for Windows (49.1MB)

This update adds support for the new iPod nano (third generation), iPod classic, and iPod touch, plus create customer ringtones exclusively for iPhone.

About iTunes 7.4.1
With iTunes 7.4.1, sync your favorite music and more with the new iPod nano (third generation), iPod classic, and iPod touch, plus create custom ringtones exclusively for iPhone with many of your favorite songs purchased from the iTunes Store. You can now also play purchased videos with closed captioning (when available), easily rate your favorite albums from one to five stars, and watch videos at a larger size inside the iTunes window.

This is odd, because I just installed iTunes 7.4 on September 5th.

Not sure what Apple “fix”, but I can no longer add my own ringtones using the “.m4r” extension method.

How to add your own custom made ringtones to the iPhone:

  • Encode the file into 128kbps AAC, smaller file size is preferred.
  • Rename the file extension from “.m4a” to “.m4r”; for Mac OS X “Get Info” the file, then change the extension name there.
  • Add the now “.m4r” file into iTunes, preferably have iTunes to copy the files into the library.
  • Look for the “Ringtones” folder, usually inside the “iTunes/iTunes Music/Ringtones” folder.
  • Rename the extension of the files back to “.m4a”.
  • Connect your iPhone, go to the “Ringtones” tab, and check the ringtones you want to send to the iPhone.

So far it is possible that Apple has just plug this “.m4r” extensions hole, or it is just a “side effect”.

iTunes 7.4.x is no longer supported under Windows 2000

Steve Jobs: An Open Letter to iPhone Early Adopters

Shortly after the Apple announced the iPhone price drops, shy of 10 weeks of its release, many iPhone early adopters express their outrage. This is one PR nightmare for Apple. Dropping the iPhone price so early does punish Apple’s loyal fans. Apple discussion board was flooded with disgusts by iPhone early adopters regarding the price drop. In the same fashion, Apple Support and Apple Store were flooded with the same complaints.
Today, Steve Jobs is taking the charge in the iPhone price drop damage control. Apple posts an open letter from Steve Jobs to iPhone owners (read: iPhone early adopters).

http://www.apple.com/hotnews/openiphoneletter/
Steve Jobs' Open Lettter to iPhone Owners.

In essence, Apple will be issuing $100 store credit for each iPhone purchased at a full price at Apple or AT&T stores. The $100 credit is good toward any purchases made on any Apple Stores or Apple Online Store.

More details on how to get the store credits will be posted on Apple website.

http://www.apple.com/hotnews/openiphoneletter/

Apple Posts iTunes 7.4

Apple finally posts iTunes 7.4 for both Mac and Windows.

iTunes 7.4 for Mac (48.1MB) | for Windows (49MB)

This update adds support for the new iPod nano (third generation), iPod classic, and iPod touch, plus create customer ringtones exclusively for iPhone.

About iTunes 7.4 With iTunes 7.4, sync your favorite music and more with the new iPod nano (third generation), iPod classic, and iPod touch, plus create custom ringtones exclusively for iPhone with many of your favorite songs purchased from the iTunes Store. You can now also play purchased videos with closed captioning (when available), easily rate your favorite albums from one to five stars, and watch videos at a larger size inside the iTunes window.

I’m gonna check if there is a way to create ringtones using tracks made through GarageBand.

“Dear Apple, I Want My $200 Back!”

UPDATE: Steve Jobs has posted an open letter to iPhone early adopter. At least Apple is doing something right.

http://www.apple.com/hotnews/openiphoneletter/

Some hours after Apple’s “The Beat Goes On” Special Event, I went to visit an Apple Store. Upon learning the $200 iPhone price drop, I was a little bit miffed at Apple. It’s only been 60-something days since the much hyped iPhone release, and now Apple in a way “screwing” the faithful early adopters. Prices drop all the time, but not by such drastic amounts in such a little time.

Upon entering the Apple Store, I was greeted by an Apple Store employee. He asked me if I needed some assistance. For some reasons, I blurted: “I am here to get my $200 back, for the iPhone.” Yeah, that blurb was responded by an uneasy “umm” and silence.

Anyway, I don’t think that it’s a good PR move for Apple to do such thing.

It’s time to call Apple Support and tell them how you feel.

Apple To Add Custom Ringtones Feature on iTunes

Apple reveals that custom ringtones are coming to iPhones via iTunes. Ringtones can be created from tracks purchased from iTunes Store, for $0.99 cents. Not all tracks sold on iTunes Store are licensed for ringtones, as shown at Apple site.

One thing is still unanswered. Can one make a completely custom ringtone, from an original composition. I for one, have my own music that I wrote, and want to use as ringtones.

Updates to iTunes is coming soon.

http://www.apple.com/itunes/store/ringtones.html

iTunes Store - Custom Ringtones