As people queue up to buy new 3G iPhones, editorially driven music recommendation service Pandora Media Inc. has introduced an application that could help them pass the time: a free streaming radio system that synchronizes with the user's existing profile.
Pandora employs a team of experts who analyze songs in order to create a massive database that yields music recommendations via personalized radio stations. While its primary service competes somewhat indirectly with social music site Last.fm, which uses collaborative filtering to generate its own recommendations, the iPhone application is similar to the free service offered by FlyTunes Inc., introduced in January. A mobile client called PocketScrobbler exists for CBS-owned Last.fm's streams, but it's unofficial and isn't supported by Last.fm itself.
Based in Oakland, Calif., Pandora has raised more than $20 million from investors including WaldenVC, Labrador Ventures, Selby Venture Partners and Crosslink Capital, as well as Topspin Media Inc. co-founder Peter Gotcher. The company suffered a setback when it was forced to shut down its international sires early this year, and in May it was said to be nearing a distribution deal with Clear Channel Entertainment Inc.
Pandora's application will work on both old and new iPhones as well as the Wi-Fi-compatible iPod Touch. - Paul Bonanos
See Pandora's blog post announcing its iPhone application
See May 13 post from Tech Confidential concerning Pandora and Clear Channel
For more, see Wired Listening Post
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I heard that Dash Media has been in talks with Clear Channel. They claim to do passive personalization for Internet and Satellite radio www.dashmediausa.com. I think it is designed for more mobile use.