Biting the hand that feeds IT
Biting the hand that feeds IT
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Original URL: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/01/19/apple_updates_itunes_ministore/
Apple has updated iTunes 6.0.2's MiniStore feature to display an explanation panel describing what the facility does the first time a user activates it.
"As you select items in your Library, information about that item is sent to Apple and the MiniStore will show you related songs or videos," the new panel states. "Apple does not keep any information related to the contents of your music Library."
The move follows allegations that the MiniStore was tantamount to spyware, covertly monitoring iTunes users' listening habits to aid Apple. When the MiniStore's background network activity was exposed, Apple was quick to stress that no data was retained in the exercise - it was simply used to send back related-track suggestions.
It could have been more up-front about the way MiniStore works, of course, and it's a positive move that it does now explain what's going on. How much hassle could it have saved itself had it put the information panel into the software in the first place? ®
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