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[techguru]

Apple Computer has announced iTunes 6, the Gen-Next version of its popular music jukebox and online music store.

iTunes 6 will enable fans to purchase and download over 2,000 music videos, as also 6 short films from Pixar Animation Studios, for $1.99 each.

Also, thanks to a landmark deal with Disney, iTunes will now offer current and past episodes from two extremely popular television shows, "Desperate Housewives" and "Lost"; the new drama series "Night Stalker"; and two popular shows from Disney Channel, "That's So Raven" and "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody"; for $1.99 per episode.

In effect, customers will now be able to purchase and download their favorite television shows from iTunes, the day after they air on TV; watch them on their Mac or PC; and Auto-Sync them onto the new iPod - video iPod , for viewing anywhere.

Steve Jobs, CEO, Apple Computer, said, "We're doing for video, what we've done for music - we're making it easy and affordable to purchase and download, play on your computer, and take with you on your iPod.

Robert Iger, CEO, Walt Disney Company, said, "For the first time ever, hit prime-time shows can be purchased online, the day after they air on TV.

Music videos available include exclusive ones by Beastie Boys, U2 and Madonna, as well as hits by Michael Jackson, Sting and current favorites Coldplay and Kanye West. Also available on the iTunes Music Store, is the complete Stevie Wonder digital box set, containing over 500 songs, full color digital booklet and 3 bonus videos.

New features in iTunes 6 include expanded online gift options allowing customers to gift specific songs, albums, music videos or their own
iTunes playlists to anyone with an email address; public beta of the new "Just for You" personalized music recommendations; and online customer reviews.

iTunes 6 for Mac and Windows, includes the iTunes Music Store, and is available immediately as a free download, from the Apple Web site. Download of songs from the iTunes Music Store for Mac or Windows, requires a valid credit card with billing address in the country of purchase.

Television shows are available in the US only, and video availability varies by country.