Apple has deployed iTunes 10 to go with the new iPod touch, new iPod nano and new Apple TV. It’s a major overhaul for the jukebox software from the purely visual (a new icon consigning the CD to history) to a major new direction with the introduction of Apple’s own music-focused social network Ping…
We heard a social iTunes was on the way and iTunes 10 is just that. As well as some design tweaks (including a new hybrid view for looking at your music library), it bakes in a social network called Ping.
Ping is built right into iTunes 10 and you’ll be able to get at it from your iPhone, iPod touch and iPad (when iOS 4.2 arrives). You’ll get your own profile and an automatically generated chart based on the songs you’re digging.
In iTunes 10, Ping will let you follow artists and friends to see what tunes they’ve been listening to and concerts they’re headed to. It’s bad news for Last.fm and looks like the start of an Apple assault on Spotify.
Steve Jobs showed off artist pages where acts will be able to share updates and videos through iTunes 10. We got his old favourite Jack Johnson and a message from Lady Gaga.
Privacy in Ping seems pretty simple with an opt out/opt in option so you’ll be able to hide your listening habits in iTunes 10. That’s good news if you don’t want your secret JLS fandom to be revealed.
While Jobs compared Ping and iTunes 10 to Twitter and Facebook we’re not sure how much the development will frighten them. For Last.fm though, it could be a nail in the coffin.
iTunes 10 is available to download today and we’ll be grabbing it imminently to bring you a thorough rundown of its secrets. Hit the comments to let us know what you make of Ping!
Out now | £free | Apple
