Apple announces new social network “Ping” and several revamped iPods

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Apple enthusiasts across the nation tuned in to the Apple Special Event Wednesday to satisfy their hunger for delicious Apple news.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs presented the launch of a new social networking service called Ping, in addition to a new lineup of iPods and software updates for the iPhone and iPad.

Ping, which Jobs described as a mix between Facebook and Twitter, focuses on the musical interests of its users and is accessed through iTunes instead of a Web browser.

“The social networking thing, that sounds interesting so I’d like to see how that turns out,” said Victor Fitzsimons, a Kentwood graduate student. “I’m wondering how it will compete with the juggernaut of Facebook.”

According to Apple’s website, Ping users can create a profile and follow different musical artists or friends. Users can view the songs and bands their friends are listening to at any time and leave comments on their profile pages.

Fitzsimons said Ping could become popular.

“Apple’s got their work cut out for them if they even want to come close to Facebook,” he said.

Alan Rudy, associate professor of sociology, said he did some reading about Ping online to get an idea of what the technology world thinks.

“The sense that I get is most folks don’t really like iTunes, they think it’s too proprietary and too clunky,” he said. “One of the things they say is Facebook is a Web page, Twitter is a Web page, but this is social networking through iTunes which looks like it’s going to be far more cumbersome and especially because Ping doesn’t link up with Facebook or Twitter.”

Rudy said he doesn’t plan on using the service because not many people, friends included, share his taste in music.

New iPods

In addition to debuting new social media, Apple is updating its iPod designs. The iPod Nano will sport a multi-touch iconic display, similar to the iPhone and iPad’s design.

The iPod Touch will receive Apple’s “Retina Display,” providing a 960×640 resolution in addition to a front and rear camera, allowing the iPod Touch to utilize the FaceTime video calling service.

Shelby Township sophomore Chris Burch said he understands Apple’s desire to improve its products, but he’s disappointed the iPod Classic was removed from the iPod series.

Burch currently owns a 30GB iPod video.

“I do prefer the traditional spin wheel,” Burch said. “I’m sure my iPod will die in the next couple years and I’ll have to get a new one, but I hope it’s not much of a hassle to get used to the new one.”

He said Apple’s announcements were not particularly ground breaking.

“I feel like they’re not really moving forward too much,” he said. “If you’re going to make a change and make a big deal about it, you should come up with something inventive that people haven’t seen before.”

Fitzsimons, however, was pleased with the announcements.

“As for revamping the product style, I think it’s a wise choice,” he said. “Apple knows how to develop a product people want to buy. They almost have a cult-like following. From a business standpoint, how could you ask for anything more?”