14 DAY TRIAL // This week, Apple launched new versions of iTunes for Mac and Windows, delivering a few improvements here and there, but nothing in the GUI department.
I’ve said this time and time again: iTunes is a complete disaster from a usability standpoint. It looks awesome from afar, but start using it and you’ll soon realize it’s not exactly delivering the it-just-works promise boasted by Apple.
How to use iTunes 12
To its credit, Apple bundles a handy visual guide comprised of 8 screenshots (9 if you count the get-started screen) explaining the player’s key functions, how to browse the stores, how to handle playlists and listen to the radio, how to sync it up with your other devices, and how to use the mini player that detaches from the mother ship. The full gallery can be found below. Here's a quick example of how Apple hopes to get users to understand the player.
It’s not that you can’t use it – the thing is admittedly better designed than most software applications in general. It just doesn't have that lean learning curve generally associated with OS X. What makes matters worse is that Apple keeps changing the layout completely once every couple of years. I can never get used to it in due time.
There’s just too much redundancy in the music library, and the two sets of tabs at the top of the interface that are supposedly there to help me move around are actually my worst nightmare. Surely I’m not alone in this.
iTunes 13 can’t come fast enough
I’ll admit I’m not an avid user, which is probably why I’m having such a hard time committing to the interface. That being said, I still use it often enough to realize it could be executed a lot better.
I can find any setting in OS X's System Preferences blindfolded. Ask me to do a guide on “How to Play Music Using iTunes” and I’ll need a tutorial myself before I write a single word.
So while it seems iTunes 12 will stick around for a while, I will accept one more challenge from Apple if they promise to get it right in the next version. They can change iTunes 13 any way they want, as long as this time I can actually remember how to play my music or find the App Store.
Disclaimer This is a Personal Thoughts piece reflecting the author’s personal opinion on matters relating to Apple and / or the products associated with the Apple brand. This article should not be taken as the official stance of Softpedia on Apple-related matters.
