Apple Launches Web-Based iTunes Preview

Macworld noticed a new browser-based component of iTunes released under the radar by Apple. The new service, called iTunes Preview, doesn't provide a traditional preview; it doesn't let you listen to a sample of a song, or see a movie or video clip. Instead, it allows you to share links to movies, TV shows, podcasts, and other iTunes-based content with individuals who don't have iTunes installed on their computer.

Until now, if you sent someone a link to content in the iTunes Store, their copy of iTunes would open and take them to the same iTunes page that you saw. If they didn't have iTunes on their computer, they would simply see a page suggesting they download and install iTunes.

iTunes Preview will render the page in their browser. They won't be able to listen to music or view a video, but the web page will otherwise be very similar to its counterpart in the iTunes Store. Links to preview or buy are replaced by a link to view in iTunes.

Your iTunes-adverse friends can now enjoy your iTunes browsing with you. And who knows, maybe they'll even be tempted to give iTunes a try.