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Get Social, Tivo and iTunes

December 27th, 2006

I get all of my television from Tivo and all of my music from iTunes. When I say all, I mean all. Both of these companies have me, the majority of my family, and some, if not all of my friends in their command. The content they serve is fiercely social, extremely viral, dynamic, and deeply personal. If you went to an Apple store during the past two weeks, you know what I mean. Frenzy.

So, why do neither of these services have a social network?

Ever had a conversation with a friend that began with, “have you seen that show…” or “have you heard of that band…” or “did you see the episode last night?”

It just seems to me that both Tivo and iTunes have a golden goose sitting right in front of them, and they must know it. Both systems already have integrated ties to the Internet, and both promote (if not beg) users to try new material. Tivo suggests new shows, iTunes tells you what others have bought similarly to you, and both podcast. So, how about a social net?

I participate in many social network websites, and I am amazed at how many niche markets are served by such. But, why don’t some of the mainstream (are Tivo and iTunes mainstream?) companies jump on board with something bold?

It seems like the latest enhancements for Tivo and iTunes focus on how they can get content to me faster and then manage it easily. I appreciate that—seriously, I do. It is the core of the product. Managing and getting content is the primary responsibility, but imagine if they both had a social network. Social networks give content and services a soul, life, and energy.

My imaginary, socially networked Tivo

When I hit the “Tivo” button on the peanut (remote controller), I get a list of my recorded shows, links to podcasts and streamed content, pictures and music networked from my laptop/computer and the Internet (Flickr would be nice), some other web access such as weather, movies, scores, etc… and finally, a list of my friends/family’s shared season passes, favorites, and suggested shows. We could submit recommendations to each other, chat after (or even during) the show or event. I could also make friends with other people who like certain shows, or just see what is most popular. Also, Tivo would let me know if my family/friends watched the show I watched – so, we can talk about it offline without ruining the surprise. My remote control blinks when I have received a recommendation or if one of my friends liked something I recommended to them.

My imaginary, socially networked iTunes

I log in to the service and instantly see to what others like me are listening, the last tracks my friends/family purchased, recommend music and TV shows, and can buy content for someone else. Also, it shares with Tivo. “Send to your Tivo” is an option. Or, I can send content to a friend. If they buy it and/ or others like it, I get credit. I can build a wishlist of songs not in the system and as they become available I am alerted. The longer I wait, the more credit iTunes gives me for my patience. My friends can add to my list, and if I buy a certain amount from a recommended list, it gives me credit.

Maybe this will all come true when we each have fiber running to our homes. Once we get 50 mbps and beyond, the limitations will change. The Internet is so amazingly social right now, and it seems that this is not a temporary trend. So, why is it that my television and music are not yet with it?

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