Internet radio service Pandora, which is eons more interactive than most broadcasting services, has stepped it up even further by adding four new "extras" to boost the social experience of its listeners.
The new features are:
- Pandora now tells you more details on what you're listening to (a la Slacker) and recommends similar songs instead of just playing them sight-unseen, and shows other members who have similar interests
- In addition, Pandora now allows you to keep follow friends and interact with them via the service
- Pandora has also added 100 genre presets so you don't need to search to begin listening
- Finally, Pandora has also added original programming to its repertoire in a new featured called "Pandora Presents"
Earlier this year Pandora on the Go was announced in partnership with Sprint to include the internet radio service on over a dozen mobile phones. They also hooked up with Sonos as well as Slim Devices' Squeezebox and Transporter to bring Pandora into homes without the need for a computer.
And Pandora is only two years old.
Aside from a pointing finger at Pandora and screaming about "competition" (which it is), Sirius and XM need to really look at what they're doing in terms of interactivity with their listeners. Now I agree with Mike Arrington in that the service should maintain focus on its core offering... you know, playing good music. But while ago I also talked about a Digg for Radio concept, which is really nothing more than an online voting system to replace (or supplement) calling in via phone. And I still feel that in this environment, interactivity is important. There's so much more that satellite radio could be done with connecting and interacting with listeners - and in turn allowing listeners to connect with each other.
Maybe it's just me, but doesn't it just seem counter-intuitive that channels and shows need to promote their online presence on... MySpace?
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