Sam Oliver
Apple on Thursday released iTunes version 11.3 and with it announced the availability of high-definition iTunes Extras for the Mac and Apple TV, with the bonus features coming to iOS 8 after the operating system's rollout this fall.
The update is a welcome one for those who regularly take advantage of the additional content on Apple's MacBook Pro with Retina display, where standard-definition content is at odds with the computer's high-resolution screen. The same is true for the Apple TV and iOS devices, where the behind-the-scenes videos, short films, image galleries, and commentary are often missed.
Consumers who have previously purchased HD movies from the iTunes Store will receive the new content as it becomes available at no additional charge.
Apple first introduced iTunes Extras in 2009 as a way of better positioning the then-nascent digital video store against DVD sales. However, their years-long absence on Apple TV and iOS devices — especially the iPad — exasperated many consumers.
iTunes version 11.3 is available now as a 143-megabyte update from the Mac App Store. iTunes Extras on Apple TV require version 6.2 of its own software, available through the Settings menu.
Malcolm Owen
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30 Comments
If they actually wanted iTunes Extras to take off and get physical media killed, they would have included support ecosystem-wide when it was announced.
Though the fact that you get the extras for FREE on movies you already own is pretty great. That’s the opposite of the physical realm where they’re just not putting extras on the DVD to upsell you the BD.
If they actually wanted iTunes Extras to take off and get physical media killed, they would have included support ecosystem-wide when it was announced.
Better late than never. It never made sense to me to limit it to iTunes and because of that I only tried it out, but now that it is going to be on Apple TV it will get some use.
Now this is something where I think people can legitimately say... finally!
I remember getting annoyed at the lack of ecosystem consistency years ago. Happy they've (finally) got to it.
Another big leap forward for the Apple TV. Does Android offer extras? I know Amazon doesn't have extras, but does Vudu allow their extras to be viewed on Roku?
Even still- Vudu extras blow in comparison to Apple's.
Amazon does have that cool-sounding feature where you can get context-relevant information about what is that you're watching - the music playing, the actors on screen etc. It'd be cool if Apple did something along those lines too, I fairly often load up the IMDb app on my iPhone or iPad to check out the details of a show or movie. I think that's on the Kindle Fire.