iTunes 9 features ringtones, improved syncing

Apple introduced iTunes 9, adding a series of new desktop and mobile features that promise to make it easier to discover, purchase and experience content from the multimedia software application. As expected, the free iTunes 9 update features more than 20,000 precut iPhone ringtones priced at $1.29 each--the new version also includes improved application syncing, enabling consumers to organize their iPhone apps in Tunes, with the same layout automatically appearing on their smartphone. Apple adds that users may now sync their music by artist and genre and sync their photos by Events and Faces.

Arguably the most notable enhancement in iTunes 9 is the new iTunes LP, the official brand name given to the much-discussed "Cocktail" project. iTunes LP will combine select albums with expanded visual features like live performance videos, lyrics, artwork, liner notes, interviews, photos and album credits in an effort to stimulate sales of full-length recordings--the new feature will launch with a series of classic releases including Bob Dylan's Highway 61 Revisited and the Grateful Dead's American Beauty. The related iTunes Extras will offer a similar experience for movies purchased via iTunes, adding documentaries, deleted scenes, interviews and interactive galleries. According to Apple, the iTunes Store now features more than 11 million songs, over 50,000 TV episodes and over 7,500 films.

Mobile Entertainment reports Apple also will enhance its App Store virtual marketplace with the addition of a new Top Grossing apps list, ranking iPhone and iPod touch applications according their revenue totals. The Top Grossing list should bring new exposure to higher-priced apps that are otherwise in danger of getting lost in the deluge of 99-cent downloads.

For more on iTunes 9:
- read this release
- watch a video on iTunes LP