Apple pushes out sixth beta of iOS 7 to developers

Apple has given developers a sixth beta of iOS 7, its upcoming software update for iPhones, iPods, and iPads.The update went out late Thursday, which is unusual timing given that past releases went out in the morning.iOS 7 brings an overhauled design for every part of the operating system, while remaining largely the same in terms of functionality. Onlookers are expecting a few more changes before it's finalized. As usual, Apple's only saying the software "contains bug fixes and improvements," though 9to5Mac notes that the update fixes an issue with iTunes in the Cloud, Apple's service that lets users stream and re-download items from multiple devices.It's the norm for iOS to undergo several beta versions before it's ready for public consumption. For iOS 6 it was five betas, whereas with iOS 5 it was eight separate releases. The "golden master" version represents the final release that goes out to consumers, and what has historically shipped on Apple's new iPhone.Apple's last iOS 7 beta arrived early last week, and came about a week after the one before it. An earlierreport from BGR claimed that iOS 7 beta 6 would be the last beta release ahead of the gold master. That software is expected to be finalized in time for the release of Apple's next iPhone, which is widely rumoredto be announced on September 10.Updated at 6:30 p.m. PT with additional update details.

Apple pushes iTunes for Valentine's Day (podcast)

For decades people have been making mix tapes for their love interests. There was a time when that meant gathering up all your favorite CDs or vinyl albums to make a tape, but now it's easy to create a playlist in iTunes or any other music player. This Valentine's Day, Apple is making it even easier. The company has a section on iTunes where you can purchase albums or collections of love songs for setting that special mood.In a recorded interview, Alex Luke, Apple's director of programming and label relations, explains how you can give the gift of music whether it's a gift card, an album, or a custom playlist of special songs.As you would expect, Luke doesn't recommend that you make a CD or give away files from your collection without purchasing a copy for your loved one. "The music you buy on iTunes is for personal use and when you gift it, you're gifting a copy for personal use so that's really the experience we're working to build."PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element.Subscribe now:iTunes (audio) |RSS (audio)