Making the iTunes a much stronger media-playback application with enhanced features, Apple expectedly introduced iTunes 9 at its 'Rock and Roll' annual media event on Wednesday.

Not only has Apple spruced up the iTunes Store and made it easier to navigate, but has also added some notable features to the iTunes, including 'iTunes LP' for bringing full-scale album art and liner notes on to the digital world; and 'Home Sharing' to enable users to sync their music across computers in their domestic circle.

Once all of a household's computers are put on the same network, and activated with the same iTunes account, the 'Home Sharing' feature allows users to access the iTunes library on any Mac or Windows PC within the house, thereby providing automatic music synchronization.

Among the cosmetic tweaks that Apple has given to iTunes 9, vis-à-vis iTunes 8, is an updated interface, with the window chrome now having a 'buffed-metal-and-shiny- plastic' look. Moreover, the attractively redesigned iTunes Store boasts a navigation bar across the top, to provide the users an easy access to the Store as well as its revamped album pages.

However, the much improved iTunes 9 is also has certain drawbacks - like a cramped side-bar with added features; and the somewhat couched buttons for the drop-down menus in the iTunes Store; and lack of 'sort' options while viewing playlist in grid view!