[NewsPoster]

"You shouldn't expect an iTunes [Metro] app on Windows 8 any time soon," Microsoft CFO Tami Reller tells CNN Money. "iTunes is in high demand. The welcome mat has been laid out. It's not for lack of trying." The quote may suggest that Microsoft has been talking with Apple about adding Metro support for iTunes, but without any progress.

Metro is the tile-based, touch-oriented interface that first greets people after launching Windows 8. It provides quick access, control, and/or information for apps, but iTunes 11 can still only be launched by going into Windows 8's desktop mode, which resembles older Windows releases. The app is also missing from the Windows Store.

Apple may be hesitant about supporting Windows 8 for multiple reasons. Aside from wanting to push people towards Macs, the company may also want to avoid giving more people reasons to use Microsoft's Windows-based Surface tablets, which compete with the iPad. At the same time, Apple is dependent on Windows users for sales of iTunes-connected devices, as well the content sold on the iTunes Store.

[mactothemac]

A Macintosh Outlook client with parity to the Windows version is in high demand. The welcome mat has been laid out. It's not for lack of trying. Oh, wait...

[Spheric Harlot]

I'd hope their priority is on building a touch-capable version for their own iOS platform that doesn't suck and is at least *somewhat* comparable to the desktop version in terms of capabilities.

[pairof9s]

Or how about an iOS Office....the welcome mat has been laid out for that too. Sweep first before your own door, before you sweep the doorsteps of your neighbors, Microsoft.