It looks like Apple still has a few tricks up their sleeves. While completely redesigning their entire iPod lineup and finally molding Apple TV into something resembling a useful consumer product, they also managed to make some important tweaks to iTunes. There are a few small design changes, but the most important feature addition is a social networking component called Ping.
Ping allows iTunes users and artists to follow each other and to be followed. The concept is much like the type of network you would find on Twitter. Thinking ahead to avoid any major privacy problems, you have to opt-in or “raise your hand” (as Jobs put it) to be followed. Jobs is hoping that most artists do choose to be public and followed.
Just as you might find on Facebook and Twitter, Ping revolves around an activity feed. You can post videos, photos, comments, opinions, and songs. You can comment on anything that has been posted. Of course, songs can be purchased with a single click.
When viewing an artist’s page, you will be able to see their upcoming performances. On your own page, you’ll get a look at concerts near you. Ping is attached to your iTunes just like Buzz is stuck inside your Gmail. The difference here is that you can get at your Ping network from your mobile device. In your iTunes app, check your recent activity to see what your friends and favorite artists are up to. You also gain access to custom song and album charts created from you and your friends’ activity.
iTunes has served up 11.7 billion songs, 450 million TV episodes, 100 million movies, 35 million books, and has 160 million accounts. That’s a lot of people you can follow, and a lot of music that can be passed around. Especially since Ping will be available on the iPhone as well. — Gizmodo
This is definitely not the cloud-based music streaming service that many were pining for, but it is definitely an interesting step for Apple. I think iTunes may have put a huge dent into the profits of many smaller startups that focus on sharing what you’re playing.
iTunes 10 is available now for Apple customers and is coming soon for Windows.