The latest version of Apple’s flagship iTunes software has been updated to version 10. The program includes a range of updated and new features, including a social networking tool known as Ping. The service enables you to follow your favourite artists and friends, much like Facebook and Twitter, so you can keep track of what other people are listening to an receive recommendations of music you may be interested in.

With the Ping service enabled, any friends that have chosen to follow you will be notified when you make a music purchase through the online store, or write a review. When following individual musicians and band, Ping can be used to find out about upcoming releases and tour dates.

The new version of iTunes also makes it possible to rent TV shows as well as buying music. HD quality video can be watched on your Mac or PC or Apple device. iTunes 10 will be needed for anyone using Apple TV – your purchases can be streamed from the application to the device. AirPlay is another streaming feature that will make it possible, as the necessary equipment is released, to stream music from iTunes to speakers and other AV receivers.

Many people will be disappointed to discover that wireless syncing is not yet available, but the synchronisation process has been improved. A new real-time capacity bar indicates how much space you have remaining on your Apple device and the whole process seems to perform slightly faster than in the past.

iTunes 10 can be downloaded from the Apple web site or by selecting the ‘Check for Update’ option in the Tools menu in your current version of the program.