Apple just released the third beta of iTunes 10.5.1, reports MacRumors. This new version is made available to developers very shortly after the company wiped out iTunes Match libraries, hinting at an imminent launch of iTunes Match.
As we reported last Friday, the company had informed developers that it would delete all current iCloud libraries “as [it] prepares for the launch of iTunes Match”. At the moment, developers are the only users of Apple’s cloud music service, whose launch was initially announced for October and has been delayed since then.
One of the main reasons for these delays could be the instability that testers have reported. This is indeed one of the problems that iTunes’ new beta is hoping to fix, as Apple declared that “this update includes a number of important stability and performance improvements for iTunes Match”.
The update is available for developers on Apple’s dedicated site, http://developer.apple.com. As MacRumors pointed out, the Beta release notes warn that further deletions may take place during this testing phase:
“iTunes 10.5.1 beta 3 includes a number of important stability and performance improvements for iTunes Match, and is a required update for all subscribers to iTunes Match beta.
Backup regularly and do not delete the music you add to iCloud from your computer. Apple may periodically delete all iCloud libraries during the beta period. This will require you to scan, match, and upload songs again.”
What do you think of iTunes Match? Let us know in the comments.
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