David Emery Online

iPhone Apps Could Be the New MySpace Page

28 October 2008

Recording artist Pink is the latest to make waves in this area with a free iPhone app called “P!nk’s Funhouse” (iTunes link), according to Billboard, which includes 30-second previews from her upcoming album, news, photos and other “essentials to connect you to Pink’s music.” Others rumored to be working on similar applications include Fall Out Boy and Snow Patrol, while Nine Inch Nails plans to release a special version of the iPhone app Tap Tap Revenge that will let players tap along with various NIN songs.

I’ve been having a good look at music iPhone apps for a while – understandably, I guess, as my background is originally in Mac development and now in the music industry. However, I haven’t really hit on the right use of the technology yet – sure, we could do silly little apps like this Pink one (which is basically a song preview-er + RSS feed + biog) but I don’t think they add any value for the consumer.

All of what’s in that app could be (and probably is) on the artists website, which you should be able to get at on the iPhone (assuming they haven’t used any Flash…). Maybe if you could listen to full tracks this would be more interesting, but as it is this sector of the market is just people spending money to look like they’re doing something.