Apple today released their iTunes 8.1 update to coincide with the release of their new Shuffle. Nothing too significant in this release with the exception of an increase in performance and responsiveness, particularly in handling large libraries. Other notables include:

• Supports syncing with iPod shuffle (3rd generation).
• Allows friends to request songs for iTunes DJ.
• Adds Genius sidebar for your Movies and TV Shows.
• Improves performance when downloading iTunes Plus songs.
• Provides AutoFill for manually managed iPods.
• Allows CDs to be imported at the same sound quality as iTunes Plus.
• Includes many accessibility improvements.
• Allows iTunes U and the iTunes Store to be disabled separately using Parental Controls.

[Crunchgear]