Apple Hiring Genre Experts to Program iTunes Match StationsApple is hiring a number of musical experts to program its iTunes Match stations, according to a report from CNET. The human touch on the music stations stands in stark contrast to the algorithm-driven methodology that is used by Pandora, the current leader in streaming music. Pandora uses algorithms and user feedback to determine what songs should be played, whereas Apple will have humans programming its wide variety of stations. Apple has been staffing up and is looking to hire a range radio music programmers. These are people with deep knowledge in genres such Latin, metal and alternative music who will be responsible for selecting and promoting songs out of the thousands of new releases each month. Apple has also been trying to poach people from the labels themselves.CNET also says Apple has been working with major music labels to promote "heat seekers", acts that labels believe are on the verge of breaking out, but haven't quite made it to that point. Apple has always had a human touch on the iTunes Store, with editors reportedly choosing what albums and tracks to feature based on sales and personal preference, rather than a 'pay-to-play' system. The company uses a similar methodology on the App Store with its Staff Favorites and Editor's Choice sections. iTunes Radio also features celebrity Guest DJs, including Katy Perry and Jared Leto at launch, as well as exclusive content -- the Katy Perry station, for example, includes an unreleased track from her new album. The ad-supported iTunes Radio is included free with iOS 7, launching tomorrow. Subscribers to Apple's $25/year iTunes Match service, however, will hear no ads and will be able to skip an unlimited number of songs. Recent Mac and iOS Blog Stories • New South Wales Police Force to Deploy iPad Minis for Use in Traffic Citations • Amazon Updates 'Instant Video' iOS App with AirPlay Support, Full Integration with IMDb • Apple Begins Accepting iPhone 5s Reservations in China, Multiple Models Sold Out • Apple Approves Game With iOS 7 Controller Support • Sprint Offering $100 Off iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c for New Customers • New Chat-Like OS X Email App 'Unibox' Enters Public Beta • Twitter to Launch Redesigned iOS App With Emphasis on Media Content • Google Acquires 'Bump', One of the App Store's First Hits
http://www.macrumors.com/2013/09/17/apple-hiring-genre-experts-to-program-itunes-match-stations/
