iTunes Ping

iTunes Ping
Type of site
 Social network service
Available in Multilingual
Website www.apple.com/itunes/ping/
Registration Required
Users > 1 million[1] after 48 hours; discontinued
Launched September 1, 2010
Current status Discontinued September 30, 2012

iTunes Ping, also known simply as Ping, was a software-based, music-oriented social networking and recommender system service developed and operated by Apple Inc. It was announced and launched on September 1, 2010,[2] as part of the tenth major release of iTunes.[3] The service launched with 1 million members[4][a] in 23 countries.[5]

The service allowed users to follow artists and see short, timely postings by both friends and artists. Ping was also accessible via iTunes for the iPhone and iPod Touch.[6]

Apple officially closed the service on September 30, 2012, and replaced it with Facebook and Twitter integration in iTunes.[7]

History

Name

After Ping's official announcement on September 1, 2010, Karsten Manufacturing, the parent company of PING, a golfing equipment manufacturer, released a statement[8] regarding the name of Apple's social network, stating that Karsten Manufacturing had entered into an agreement with Apple under which Apple will use the "Ping" trademark in connection with its iTunes application.[9] The name has also caused minor confusion as the term "to ping", which was being used by users of Ping, is already a commonly used but unrelated computer term used in conjunction with Ping networking utility.

Announcement

Ping was announced by Apple CEO, Steve Jobs as being "sort of like Facebook and Twitter meet iTunes," but stating that "Ping is not Facebook" and "it is not Twitter," instead describing it as "something else ... all about music."[10] Many have speculated that Ping was meant to compete directly with the declining MySpace, which is still holding on to its existence through music.[11]

Endorsement

The announcement was endorsed by both Chris Martin,[12] lead singer of Coldplay, who closed the event by performing "Viva La Vida" and "Yellow", as well as an unreleased song titled "Wedding Bells", and Lady Gaga who introduced the social network in a recorded video message that was played as part of the practical demo of the service.[13] Lady Gaga's pro-LGBT posts were censored from promo shots by Apple.[14]

Issues

Facebook

During Apple's announcement of Ping, chief executive Steve Jobs gave a demo of the service in which he demonstrated the basic functionality of the service, including Facebook integration.[15] However, shortly after Ping was released to the public, users began to report that Facebook's social integration had been removed.[16]

Kara Swisher, technology columnist for the Wall Street Journal, reported that after speaking to Steve Jobs regarding the matter, he had revealed that Facebook and Apple had failed to reach an agreement. Jobs further reported that Facebook wanted "onerous terms that [Apple] could not agree to."[17] However, Apple launched Ping with Facebook integration without authorization,[18] and that subsequently, Facebook implemented a block, denying Ping access to the application programming interface (API), necessary in "linking" Facebook with Ping. The result was the inability to search for an iTunes user’s friends on Facebook who were also connected to Ping.[19]

To provide Facebook integration in Ping, Apple had to retrieve users' information using Facebook's API instead. Facebook provides its APIs for third parties to use for free, but "high-volume" services such as Ping that are expected to make more than 100 million information requests per 24-hour period, are required to negotiate terms of use with Facebook, in accordance to Facebook's Developer Principles and Policies.[20]

Spam

Twenty-four hours after Ping was launched to the public,[21] reports of the service being flooded with spam were published.[22] The fraudsters would create an iTunes profile and post links to a number of online scams, including ones that promised "free iPhones" or "free iPads" in exchange for filling out online surveys. For the most part, these suspicious links were being posted in the comments sections of popular artists on Ping, such as Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and U2, all of whom were among the recommended accounts listed on the Ping homepage.[23]

Security vendor Sophos expressed bemusement that Apple had allegedly set up no spam or URL filtering in Ping, leaving the service open to spam commenting.[24][25] MacRumors reported that the "first 'free iPhone' spam wave remained active for up to four hours before being disabled."[26] PC World noted that if Sophos' claims are correct it would be very "surprising ... considering that Apple appears to be filtering profile photos."[27]

Fake accounts

On September 2, 2010, singer-songwriter Ben Folds reported via Twitter[28] that an account had been created in his name, continuing to mention that he is unaware as to who had created it. Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos, said it is "used to ... scams like this being spread far and wide via sites like Facebook, but clearly the lack of filtering on Ping is making it a brand new playground for [scammers] to operate in."[29]

Limited availability

The service was initially available in 23 countries[30] where users have full access to the iTunes Store. Therefore, users in countries with limited or no access to the iTunes Store, such as Chile, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Kosovo, Albania and India, were unable to access Ping.[31]

Closure

Apple closed the service on September 30, 2012 and replaced it in iTunes with Facebook and Twitter integration.[7] Ping failed to gain much traction with users. The social network remained operational until iTunes 10.6.3.

Service

Users of Ping were able to view what music their friends are purchasing and reviewing. Users also received a personalized "charts" list that features what other people with a similar taste in music are listening to through iTunes. Additionally, users were informed about what concerts their friends were attending and were able to purchase tickets accordingly.[32]

Reception

There are favorable reviews of Ping. Business Insider reported that it was "impressed" and "could see using [the service] regularly."[33] Wired gave the service a favorable review, stating that "Ping has significant advantages against other music-oriented social networks."[34] GigaOM wrote that it foresees Ping as being "the future of Social Commerce."[35] ReadWriteWeb concluded that the service is "OK", stating that it has "potential."[36] MacTech listed several complaints voiced by early adopters (such as Ping's lack of podcast and iOS app integration), but ultimately concluded that the service could eventually become "a pretty useful social network for music junkies."[37]

The Guardian criticised the lack of existing social network integration,[38] and NowPublic continued to criticise the absence of major artists and users inability to perform "basic" social networking interactions, such as posting status updates.[39] CNN rated Ping as one of the ten biggest tech 'fails' of 2010. In the same "top 10" list there are Apple's iPhone 4 Antennagate, Google Buzz and Digg relaunch. [40]

Notes

  • ^ An "active member" is defined by Apple as a user who has registered a valid payment method with their Apple ID, i.e. a credit or debit card.[26]

References

  1. ↑ "Ping Users Top One Million in First 48 Hours" (Press release). Apple Inc. September 3, 2010. Retrieved September 3, 2010.
  2. ↑ Caldwell, Serenity (September 2, 2010). "Facebook Connect Mysteriously Disappears From Apple's Ping". PC World. Retrieved September 2, 2010.
  3. ↑ Kessler, Topher (September 2, 2010). "iTunes 10 user interface sees some minor changes". CNET News. Retrieved September 2, 2010.
  4. ↑ "Apple's Ping rival to Facebook and Twitter launches with 160m users". The Belfast Telegraph. September 2, 2010.
  5. ↑ Siegler, MG (September 1, 2010). "Apple's Ping Music Social Network Starts With 160 Million Users". TechCrunch. Retrieved September 2, 2010.
  6. ↑ Gatto, Katie (September 2, 2010). "AOL and Google, Twitter launches on iPad, Apple launches Ping social network". Vator News. Retrieved September 2, 2010.
  7. 1 2 Moscaritolo, Angela (September 13, 2012). "Apple Shutting Down iTunes Ping on Sept. 30". Apple Shutting Down iTunes Ping on Sept. 30. Ziff-Davis. Retrieved September 14, 2012.
  8. ↑ "PING Golf Announces Trademark Agreement With Apple" (Press release). PING. September 1, 2010. Retrieved September 2, 2010.
  9. ↑ Fiveash, Kelly (September 2, 2010). "Apple inks Ping trademark deal with golf gear maker". The Register. Retrieved September 2, 2010.
  10. ↑ Chapman, Glenn (September 1, 2010). "Apple unveils social network, new iPod and TV tool". Google News. Retrieved September 2, 2010.
  11. ↑ http://blogs.vancouversun.com/2010/09/01/has-apples-new-music-social-network-ping-killed-myspace-not-necessarily/
  12. ↑ Carroll, Jim (September 3, 2010). "It's no surprise Chris Martin is playing nice with Apple". The Irish Times. Retrieved September 3, 2010.
  13. ↑ Kaufman, Gil (September 2, 2010). "Coldplay frontman played unreleased song, 'Wedding Bells,' while Gaga, via video, introduced Ping social network site". MTV. Retrieved September 2, 2010.
  14. ↑ http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2010/09/is_apples_ping_already_censori.html
  15. ↑ Chen, Jason (September 2, 2010). "If Apple Can't Deal With Facebook's "Onerous" Terms For Ping, Why Is It In Apple's Keynote Screenshots?". Gizmodo. Retrieved September 3, 2010.
  16. ↑ Slivka, Eric (September 2, 2010). "Apple-Facebook Controversy Over Ping Rooted in API Usage, Feature May Return". MacRumors. Retrieved September 3, 2010.
  17. ↑ Swisher, Kara (September 2, 2010). "Steve Jobs on why no Facebook for Ping". CNET News. Retrieved September 3, 2010.
  18. ↑ Swisher, Kara (September 2, 2010). "Exclusive: Facebook Blocked API Access to Ping After Failure to Strike Agreement, So Apple Removed Feature After Launch". D: All Things Digital. Retrieved September 3, 2010.
  19. ↑ Selleck, Evan (September 2, 2010). "Facebook Blocks API Access to Apple's Ping, Apple Removes Feature Altogether". Slash Gear. Retrieved September 3, 2010.
  20. ↑ Paul, Ian (September 3, 2010). "Apple vs. Facebook: What's Behind the Ping Controversy". PC World. Retrieved September 3, 2010.
  21. ↑ Latif, Lawrence (September 3, 2010). "Apple's social network gets flummoxed by spam". The Inquirer. Retrieved September 3, 2010.
  22. ↑ "Apple Censored Lady Gaga's Controversial Tweets". ITProPortal. September 3, 2010. Retrieved September 3, 2010.
  23. ↑ Perez, Sarah (September 3, 2010). "Apple's Ping Overrun with Spam". ReadWriteWeb. Retrieved September 3, 2010.
  24. ↑ Whitney, Lance (September 3, 2010). "Apple's Ping dinged by spam". CNET News. Retrieved September 3, 2010.
  25. ↑ "Ping spam hits iTunes 10". Webuser. September 3, 2010. Retrieved September 3, 2010.
  26. 1 2 Slivka, Eric (September 2, 2010). "Spammers Already Taking Aim at Apple's Ping". MacRumors. Retrieved September 3, 2010.
  27. ↑ Paul, Ian (September 3, 2010). "Apple's Ping a Scammer's Haven? Security Experts Say Watch Out". PCWorld. Retrieved September 3, 2010.
  28. ↑ Folds, Ben (September 2, 2010). "To be precise: As of 11am Pacific Time I was not aware of a Ping account in my name. At present I don't know who created said account. Ping?". Twitter. Retrieved September 3, 2010.
  29. ↑ Halliday, Josh (September 3, 2010). "Apple's Ping succumbs to the spammers". The Guardian. Retrieved September 3, 2010.
  30. ↑ Roth, Jason (September 1, 2010). "Apple Introduces iTunes 10 With Ping". Apple Inc. Retrieved September 5, 2010.
  31. ↑ Schroeder, Stan (September 2, 2010). "Ping Not Available to You? You're Not the Only One". Mashable. Retrieved September 5, 2010.
  32. ↑ Munarriz, Rick Aristotle (September 2, 2010). "The One Thing That Apple Is Missing". The Motley Fool. Retrieved September 2, 2010.
  33. ↑ Yarow, Jay (September 2, 2010). "Apple's Ping Social Network Is Actually Good, And It Has Huge Potential". Business Insider. Retrieved September 3, 2010.
  34. ↑ Van Buskirk, Eliot (September 1, 2010). "Apple's 'Ping' Social Network Is Already Too Big to Fail". Wired. Retrieved September 3, 2010.
  35. ↑ Malik, Om (September 1, 2010). "Why Ping Is the Future of Social Commerce". GigaOM. Retrieved September 3, 2010.
  36. ↑ Perez, Sarah (September 2, 2010). "10 Things You Need to Know About Apple's New Social Network, Ping". ReadWriteWeb. Retrieved September 3, 2010.
  37. ↑ Long, Josh (September 4, 2010). "Why iTunes Ping stinks... but has potential". MacTech. Retrieved September 4, 2010.
  38. ↑ Kiss, Jemima (September 2, 2010). "Apple's Ping – a capsule review". The Guardian. Retrieved September 3, 2010.
  39. ↑ Yerman, Jordan (September 2, 2010). "iTunes Ping Review: Apple's Antisocial Social Network". Independent Music Awards. Retrieved September 3, 2010.
  40. ↑ Gross, Doug. "The 10 biggest tech 'fails' of 2010". CNN. Retrieved December 29, 2010.
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