Map of social media may be changed. Apple is now into the realm of social networks by providing a new service called Ping and Game Center. "This is a social network of music," said Steve Jobs, Apple founder and CEO, while Ping launched in San Francisco. Was Ping able to rival the popularity of Facebook ?Pings built on the latest iTunes software. But, Ping social networking adding concepts into the media. With Ping, users can create a profile of yourself, a network of friends, complete with music playlists. This service can be accessed via iTunes software 10 that has been available for Mac and PC versions. Users also can use the Ping application through iTunes on the iPhone and iPod Touch.
"We think Ping will soon be popular because 160 million people (iTunes users-red) can already use it," said Jobs. Not only Ping, on the same occasion, Apple also released the Game Center. Game Center is an online game service for devices using IOS platforms (iPhone OS). Through this service, users can play together with friends for the game that is more specific.
They can also show their achievement scores in one game to their counterparts else. This is not new. Prior to Ping, Microsoft also has provided a similar service for its Zune music player owners. Some features in Ping also been provided by the Spotify and Last.fm. But so far iTunes has the largest user.
While the Game Service Centre also been enjoyed by Xbox Live users. But Xbox Live is a paid service. While games on Facebook that runs in Flash, often can not be accessed via mobile phone.
According to analysts from research firm CCS, this is an ambitious step to challenging Apple's other social networks that already exist.
"They will soon find a way to differentiate their products with other social networks. Because so many have to use iTunes, this is a natural extension "said Michael Gartenberg, an analyst from the Altimeter Group.
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