Facebook is looking to improve stickiness by introducing a new integrated music service later this month through partnerships with Spotify, Rhapsody, Slacker and other music providers. Unlike Google and Amazon who use a cloud music service, songs will simply be streamed from an integrated Facebook service which will allow users to share songs and playlists seamlessly.
Rumoured to be called Vibes, the News Feed homepage will also be reconfigured (yet again) with mostly likely a pop-out playlist window which can be viewed and commented on by friends.
While I am intrigued by the idea, the runaway success of Google+ has me suspecting there's slight panic in Facebook HQ with this bold new service. But what do you think?
Are you at all interested in Facebook's new music service? Comment below!
Interesting. The race is on, who can own you as a consumer. All the big players are trying to bombard us for share of eyeball time. iTunes & Ping getting social so why not FB in the itunes court. Perhaps they should get in touch with iriver and have a crack at portable music player market as well. I fired up the apple TV last night jumped onto podcast and started watching Ted Talks on the big TV. As we consume more entertainment based content via digital channels, I would suspect that the way we consume social media might change as well.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'm just being cynical, but does this sound a bit like like MySpace?
ReplyDeleteI agree, FB appear to be spreading themselves very thinly, and risk alienating everyone if they try to meet ALL needs.
My view is they have to if they wish to keep up with the Jones'. However, they shouldn't attempt something that they may not be good at. A lot of SM sites now seem to be spreading themselves thinly with trying to do everything and have everything. So if FB doesn't they may be behind the 8ball. However, they shouldn't attempt something until they are certain they can deliver. Going to thinly may mean their core product may become damaged! As B More said, why not hook up with someone who already has the expertise, they did with Skype?
ReplyDeleteRoss
This is a pivotal moment in Facebook's future and a lot is riding on it's success... If a big feature like this doesn't engage users and is deemed a failure, it will only compound the growing perception that Facebook is becoming passe.
ReplyDeleteWags, I completely agree. Myspace tried the pop-out music player window and it's a mess. Not only clunky and void of any interaction, I suspect many users are like me and like everything associated with a particular site contained within one window...
Interesting! Like Wags said wouldn't this be like Myspace? But it definitely is a good choice for many underground and indie bands to promote through a larger crowd on Facebook. Maybe Facebook is trying to take over myspace as well? I wonder how this would affect the music industry, with all these new social online music products coming out! However, i will definitely check this out for my band when its out...:)
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