Apple releases iTunes 8.1

Apple released an update to its iTunes music management software on Wednesday, adding a host of enhancements as well as support for a new line of iPod shuffles it released earlier in the day.

In addition to some security fixes, iTunes 8.1 adds new features to Genius--a feature that lets you put songs together in your library that somehow "go great together"--and support for CD imports to iTunes Plus.

Among the other enhancements Apple made:
- Allows friends to request songs for iTunes DJ.

- Adds Genius sidebar for your Movies and TV Shows.

- Improves performance when downloading iTunes Plus songs.

- Provides AutoFill for manually managed iPods.

- Allows iTunes U and the iTunes Store to be disabled separately using Parental Controls.
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Is shopping site selling pirated iTunes gift cards?

According to Outdustry, iTunes gift cards have been pirated, and China's biggest C2C online shopping site, Taobao, is the platform used to sell the cards.

Chinese hackers have figured out a way to generate iTunes gift card keycode numbers and help themselves to songs from Apple's music store. The hackers have been selling pirated US$200 iTunes gift cards on Taobao for as little as 17.9 yuan, or just US$2.60--a savings of almost 99 percent!

Taobao's shop owner told Outdustry: "The gift card codes are created using key generators" and that he "paid money to use the hackers' service." All the seller actually sells is the gift voucher code, which is sent to you directly through Taobao's IM software. You can then redeem the card in your iTunes account.
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New Sony Walkmans get launch dates

You've probably read about the new Walkmans from the announcements at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas earlier this year. We've just received updates from Sony that the touchscreen X-series Walkmans, in 16GB and 32GB capacities, will be available in selected Asia-Pacific countries this May. Coming slightly earlier in April are the "wearable" W202 and the S636F MP3 player. The latter will come bundled with a matching speaker dock. No pricing details were released.

It's sorta like the nerd version of dating twins

When you're old like me (creak, creak), you tend to accumulate a metric crap-ton of stuff that you don't really need but don't want to get rid of. You know, like tax returns, canceled checks, and a heaping stack of old TV Guides.

OK, maybe that last one is just me.

Another thing I'm running out of room for is video game consoles. That's why when I saw the Retro Duo NES/SNES Game System on Think Geek, I was immediately intrigued. Technically, I don't really have room for this one either, but I was still intrigued.

Aside from playing both NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) and Super NES games in one console, which is admittedly cool, both cartridge slots are top-loading.
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Shure versus Ultimate Ears--Ask the Editors

Q: I just want your personal opinion on this as a CNET editor of music devices and accessories. Let's say money is not a factor. I am wondering which of the below is the best option (I have an iPhone 3G and love to listen to music): The UE Triple.fi 10vi, the UE Triple.fi 10 Pro, or the Shure SE530 Sound Isolating Headphones.

Keep in mind I own and am very comfortable with the fit of the Shure SE110 Sound Isolating headphones, and Shure SE210 sound isolating headphones. Thanks.--Ashwin, via email

A: Given that you are listening on an iPhone, I would recommend a set that either has an inline mic built in or an attachable accessory. This turns the headphones into a stereo headset, which is appropriate for both listening to music and taking phone calls. Taking this into account rules out the Triple.fi 10 Pro.
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