By Graham K. Rogers

Apple has released two updates that are related to creation of content for the iBookstore: iTunes Producer, 2.8.0; and Application Loader 2.8.0. These are available for download via the App Store application. These are not shown on the Apple downloads pages but can be accessed via iTunes Connect (needs registration).

iTunes Producer

• If a previous version of a book has been delivered to the iBookstore, the developer may show new information about the book in a "What's New in Version" information pane;
• Vendor IDs are automatically generated;
• Phonetic name support when Japanese is the selected language (title, subtitle series name, author name(s) can be specified phonetically);
• Target audience options added - Quebec School Grade, Australian School Grade, UK National Curriculum, UK Exam Board and Scotland Curriculum;
• Several territories can now be set up with rights and pricing details;
• Bug fixes and other improvements.

Application Loader

. . . helps users to prepare and submit your apps the the App Store. You can also use this tool to create in-app purchases for your apps. Application Loader is part of Xcode and is also available for download separately from the Manage Your Applications module on iTunes Connect.

The update contains general bug fixes and improvements.

Graham K. Rogers teaches at the Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University in Thailand. He wrote in the Bangkok Post, Database supplement on IT subjects. For the last seven years of Database he wrote a column on Apple and Macs.