Apple

Apple launches “iTunes Plus”, the name given to the DRM-free section/tracks at the iTMS. The shortlist:

_256 kbps AAC encoding
_$1.29/song
_need updated version of iTunes (7.2)
_Account info still embedded in the non-DRM tracks. Additional info at TUAW.

Screenshots and walkthrough at Engadget.

Steve Jobs live from D2007.

Notable:
_YouTube on your Apple TV—software update coming soon.
_3rd-Party iPhone apps probably in the future.

we’ll find a way to let 3rd parties write apps and still preserve security on the iPhone. But until we find that way we can’t compromise the security of the phone.

I’ve used 3rd party apps… the more you add, the more your phone crashes. No one’s perfect, and we’d sure like our phone not to crash once a day. If you can just be a little more patient with us I think everyone can get what they want.

Apple also releases a 160GB built-to-order Apple TV for $399. The Apple TV takes a beating in Fortune.

Leander Kahney, who may or may not be Fake Steve Jobs, has some constructive criticism on the design/usability of the iPod. Two of the three mentioned have been among a few questionable design/engineering decisions for me as well— 1. Menus scrolling the wrong way and 2. Menus don’t loop. I would also include adding easing/acceleration to the scroll wheel, which I think might make it even more user friendly. (Maybe this is already in there somewhere, but if it is, I’ve missed it.)

Apple to include 3G in future Macbook:

What’s unclear from the report, however, is which networks Apple is looking to support. The source was unable to identifying whether or not Apple would produce a card for EVDO Internet access, which is supported by Sprint and Verizon in the US, or HSDPA, supported by AT&T and European carriers.

Apple already has a connection to AT&T’s network through the agreements made for the iPhone, though neither company has revealed plans for Internet access beyond the handset’s support for the slower 2.5G EDGE network. At the same time, the computer designer may have established the preliminary software groundwork for either AT&T or its rivals through the February WWAN update that added drivers for select EVDO and HSDPA external cards.