How to make the perfect iTunes 12

Reaction to iTunes 12 and its interface confused was quite predictable. For some, it began to look like Yosemite - less cluttered and easier to navigate, others are indignant because the next shuffle functions and redesign. Each of the views has its own truth, while there are also those who think that iTunes is perfect. This begs the question: if iTunes in its current form (and several previous versions) is still not ideal, that one could change it? Let us think.

Too many features

The most common response to complaints about iTunes - love it and get used to it or use alternative applications. It's not very good advice for those who understand that iTunes features extend much further than a simple music and video playback. the iTunes, of course, is easy to cope with these problems, but apart from them, he can do much more:

• The copying or reproduction of CDs
• Convert audio and video
• receive, store and play media files (music, movies, TV shows, music videos, podcasts, audiobooks, educational content from iTunes U)
instagram viewer
• receiving and storing iOS-app
• storage and sync ringtones
• creating playlists and managing
• synchronize media files to mobile devices
• shering media files from your library
• edit tags
• itnernet streaming radio
• iTunes Radio streaming
• access to media files in the cloud
• access to the iTunes Store

There are various tools from third-party developers who can handle some of the these problems, but no solutions, which would cover the functionality of them still everything. This is partly due to the closeness of Apple-devices and the fact that the various media we get from specialty stores, as Apple is not interested in, to provide someone such the rights. And indeed, a developer in their right mind will create and sell an application that performs the functions that are available on iTunes for free?

What many consider the chaos and jumble, others perceive as the versatility and comprehensiveness. For advanced users need most of these functions, while others are too sensitive to the transfer of their favorite functions to another location and the need to get used to the new order.

large rethinking

And here we come to the most difficult and important thing. As Apple move forward without creating complexity and causing complaints from users? In iTunes 11 (and even more in iTunes 12) Apple has tried to make your interaction with your media files more situational and dependent on the context, with the idea to simplify the interface. In iTunes 11, when the hidden side menu, a choice of different types of media is through a drop-down menu in the top left corner. Simply select the desired category, and from it will be content in the panel below. Further navigation on it is done by the toolbar buttons, located in the center.

In iTunes 12, Apple took the next step forward and more estranged from the interaction with the side menu. To navigate the corresponding buttons are used for your media files - music, movies, TV shows, etc. Clicking on them, as in iTunes 11 will display the content of your chosen category. The same concept is used when you open the iTunes Store, by clicking on the button that leads you to the appropriate section of the store. Rather than go back to your local media files when you're in the iTunes Store, you can press, for example, Music button and see them, and then switch to the store to find out about new albums and offerings available today. Nevertheless, in the eyes of many users, this approach looks confusing and, of course, understandable.

But if the contextual approach does not completely solve the problem, then what else can you think of? Let's investigate.

adjustment

Used Apple's approach shows that the company is on the right track with a contextual vision. Most iTunes users only view their media libraries with a clear division of content types.

However, it is also worth noting that some elements of the interface Yosemite does not quite fit the iTunes, such as editable fields. And button and the info sheet, which is mostly used by advanced users and should better reflect their needs.

Therefore, we must recognize that attempts to make the interface less cluttered iTunes, make use of the application is even more difficult than it was before. Cause additional confusion dual-purpose keys and clumsy sidebar actually much would simplify navigation in the new minimalist interface, as would allow to quickly switch between sections library.

remove unnecessary

There is also the problem of an abundance of functionality. If iTunes has become cumbersome and confusing due to a variety of talents, why not just remove some of them? This, of course, can hurt the advanced users. For most people, iTunes will be easier if you remove it from the "extra" features, which include editing tags, copying CD-ROM drive, application management, conversion, synchronization, iTunes Match and other similar things.

Or, create two iTunes display options - simple and advanced. The above-mentioned features can be hidden in the normal mode, the interface is not scoring they head to simple users and allow them to use iTunes a little easier. Those who switch to Advanced mode will have access to all the features and opportunities.

Separation

There is another approach - the distribution of the different iTunes functions for multiple applications. Movies and TV shows will be video applications, podcasts, and iTunes U - in your own application. All of your tracks and albums are played in a separate annex Music (as in iOS), which also provides access to iTunes Match content. iBooks will take to his audiobooks, and apps App Store and iTunes Store will take his place in the dock. Some long-time users of iTunes it may seem too tricky approach, however, he has the right to life and its effectiveness is confirmed in iOS.

However, there is one important point, which should take into account - the majority of iTunes users to run it on a PC with Windows. After all, our common friends from Cupertino do not force us to show the tattoo , when we buy iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. With PC owners Apple takes the money with the same joy, as with us.

Therefore, we must understand that for the separation of iTunes functions on individual applications, engineers will need to do this not only on the Mac, but also on Windows too. You probably know that Apple is now covers a lot of different niche markets - operating systems, applications, smartphones, tablets, wearable electronics, computers, laptops, payment systems, streaming Services. In short, Apple employees have a whole lot of work. With this in mind, it is clear that Apple will not create a set of applications for Windows users (Imagine how to be guilty that you have defined the team that is responsible for this difficult and thankless a business?).

Perhaps the state company has a staff of exploring alternatives to iTunes for Mac, but I think they are assigned the task to do the same thing for the Windows, very quickly wear down them.

You need to wait

And finally we come to what is likely happening now in fact - to create a new model of media content consumption.

If you still buy popular music must disappoint you - you are part of an endangered species. Sales of music from the iTunes Store around the world have fallen by 13% since the beginning of this year. And this is not because of a lack of good music, but because of the fact that the number of people buying music from the iTunes Store decreases with each passing day. Young people often use YouTube and streaming services. The older generation is refusing to give a chance to the world of contemporary music.

Our habits regarding movies are also changing. Admissions fell (although as much as music sales), and the local video salons and shops disappeared a few years ago. Instead, people watch more movies and TV shows via streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime.

What is the point Apple to invest time, effort and resources in an application that is focused on the purchase of content when it is obvious that the future of the comprehensive content, which will be available to you everywhere? The company bought Beats Music and for the same reason, regularly adds new channels to Apple TV.

Apple knows what was coming. I think that is what decides the fate of iTunes - the application will remain at most in the form in which it exists now, until there will come another time.

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