With the release of the new iPod Shuffle today and the update available for the Apple Remote app in the picture above, not to mention the numerous sites reporting it, iTunes 8.1 should be here any time now.  According to multiple sources, version 8.1 of iTunes will have a significant speed improvement when dealing with large libraries.  It will also have speed improvements in the iTunes store and faster device syncing.

 

The Genius sidebar will now include suggestions for TV Shows and Movies and will allow you to import your own CD’s at 256kbps AAC iTunes Plus Format.

 

Keep an eye on your updates for the arrival of this much improved iTunes version