Apple Releases iOS 6.1 with iTunes Match Song Downloads and More

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iOS 6.1 Update

Have you ever just wanted to download ONE song from an album on iTunes Match so you can listen on the go? It simply didn’t happen … until now! Today Apple released iOS 6.1 with a number of improvements (and likely even more unannounced improvements). These include support for 36 additional LTE carriers for iPhone (23 for iPad), individual song downloads, Siri interaction with Fandango, and more.

One unstated improvement in iOS 6.1 is found in Passbook. Previously, when you started the app for the first time an introduction was displayed. You were then sent to the iTunes App Store to check for apps that support the service. After that though you would only see whatever you had downloaded to Passbook. There was no further explanation. With this update, every time you open the app you get the option to head to the App Store to grab from the ever-growing list of Passbook-enabled apps and services.

One thing that is missing and I would have loved to see added to the mobile music app is the ‘Up Next’ feature from iTunes 11. Hopefully we will get that soon!

Here is the list of improvements:

  • LTE support for more carriers (Apple previously announced that it would add more LTE carriers this week). 36 additional iPhone carriers. 23 additional iPad carriers.
  • Purchase movie tickets through Fandango via Siri (US only)
  • iTunes Match subscribers can now download individual songs from iCloud
  • New button to reset the Advertising Identifier.

You can download OTA (over the air) or through iTunes. I haven’t heard any downside or issues with the update – I updated both my iPhone 5 and iPad Mini and it went smoothly and everything works great.

Are you an ‘ASAP Updater’, or do you wait to see what others experience?

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About the Author

Michael Anderson
I have loved technology for as long as I can remember - and have been a computer gamer since the PDP-10! Mobile Technology has played a major role in my life - I have used an electronic companion since the HP95LX more than 20 years ago, and have been a 'Laptop First' person since my Compaq LTE Lite 3/20 and Powerbook 170 back in 1991! As an avid gamer and gadget-junkie I was constantly asked for my opinions on new technology, which led to writing small blurbs ... and eventually becoming a reviewer many years ago. My family is my biggest priority in life, and they alternate between loving and tolerating my gaming and gadget hobbies ... but ultimately benefits from the addition of technology to our lives!