Apple Opens iTunes LP and Extras to Developers

ituneslpandextras

Never let it be said that Apple doesn’t keep its promises. Six weeks after announcing it would open up its iTunes LP file format to all developers and labels, Apple delivered this morning with specifications and resources for both iTLP and its DVD-like iTunes Extras. All of the contents are here. The company also through in the TuneKit framework, a set of resources for delivering superior multimedia experiences through iTunes.

Apple also reiterated its support for making iTunes LP and Extras the format of choice for the store, just not quite yet. According to its development site, all approvals for both features will be handled manually until the first quarter of 2010, at which point submissions will be handled like all other iTunes uploads.

I’m thrilled to see it. Digital media has so much more potential than just the content by itself. These are a clear step into a brighter future. Well done, Apple.

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Pete Mortensen is a design strategist for consulting firm Jump Associates and the co-author of Wired to Care: How Companies Prosper When They Create Widespread Empathy, a book and blog that are significantly more interesting than you might initially think. Pete's particular Apple avocations are both around design--interface and industrial. Follow him on Twitter!

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Posted in iTunes, News, Top stories |

Charli
cue the blogs about how someone’s LP was rejected.
Paul
“The company also through in the TuneKit framework…” Oops.
PeteMo
This guy again…, where’s your dignity eh? Where’s the “iTunz LPz R teh SUXs” you were screaming?
Cult Of Mac should fire this clown.
Jake
Ah, listen to the sound of Apple apologists. Just remember Apple wouldn’t have done this if someone hadn’t kicked up a storm about it. It’s just like their current policies on making their products more enviro-friendly.
The most that can be said is that Apple know when to fix their mistakes. Let’s hope that they do the same for that godawful development process for iPhone apps.