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iTunes 5.0 was just released a few weeks ago, but Apple has already posted an update for their popular iPod companion application.

The two major new features in iTunes 5.0.1 are a "powerful" new Search Bar and the ability to create folders for organizing playlists. In addition to these new features, Apple has also addressed several stability issues from iTunes 5.0.


NEW SEARCH BAR
In previous versions of iTunes, if you were looking for something, you had to run separate searches of both your personal music library and the iTunes Music Store. The new search bar in iTunes 5.0.1 blurs the difference between the two. Apparently Apple wants you to find whatever song you are searching for whether you own it or not, and in the case of the latter, encourage you to make a purchase from the iTunes Music Store.



PLAYLIST FOLDERS
As our music collections grow, so do our playlists. Apple realized this and has added the ability to organize our playlists into folders within iTunes.

To make a new playlist folder, open iTunes 5.0.1 and select New Folder from under the File menu (File > New Folder). A new "untitled folder" will appear along side your other playlists. For those savvy iTunes users with lots of playlists or who like to create nested Smart Playlists, this new feature will be enormously helpful.


STABILITY FIXES
iTunes 5.0 had some major stability issues. Personally, I experienced frequent crashes when browsing the iTunes Music Store or burning CD/DVD's. So hopefully the 5.0.1 update will fix most of those issues.


Here's what Apple says was included in the 5.0.1 update:

• new Search Bar which helps you find exactly what you are looking for in iTunes or from among 2 million songs on the Music Store
  
• folders for organizing playlists
• new Parental Controls for music, music sharing and podcasts.
  
• several stability improvements over iTunes 5.0
  

You can download the iTunes 5.0.1 update at http://www.itunes.com.


[MethodShop.com]