Apple quietly introduced its social network for music, Ping, to the iPad bringing Twitter support and concert listings.
The backend update allows iPad users to access the social network and connect with music fans or their favorite artists on the go. Ping for the iPad doesn’t differ from its desktop brother very much. You can view your stream of artists and people you follow, comment on and like posts and view your profile.
One of the cool features in Ping that I personally like and I think Apple could really develop further is concert listings for artists. You can view concert dates, local shows and buy tickets from Ticket Master through Ping.
Twitter integration is present in Ping but you can’t directly Tweet from the iTunes App; it automatically Tweets from your account when you like or comment something. You can add your Twitter account to Ping through iTunes on your Mac. While adding Twitter in to the Ping equation creates something fresh for the social music network, it’s only a bandage to heal the hemorrhage caused by Facebook’s inclination to be a part of Ping. Twitter updates are only useful to notify friends about what new song you bought but the experience falls short on its face.
ITunes fans have bemoaned Ping’s existence — it’s a watered down social network that’s lumped in to the ‘Facebook killer’ category. While I appreciate Apple’s interest in developing Ping, the network can’t stand on its own without integrating with Facebook. Even then, Ping will be buckled under Facebook as the former will be reliant on the other.
