Why I don’t care about the “Genius” Feature of Itunes 8

I have iTunes 8 and I have a lot of songs.  iTunes new “Genius” feature, where the program is supposed to figure out which songs go together, a-la-Pandora or Last.fm, does not interest me.

Why?  Simple — I never listen to my iTunes songs.  I hate trying to find music that I enjoy or want to listen to right now.  I would rather spend my time reading than finding music.  I know that is just how I work but I am a lazy music-listener.  I want the music I like without the work or hassle.

Now, all of my music listening is done through a) AOL Radio, b) Pandora, C) Last.fm.  These services are similar to many subscription services except they are all free (with some advertisements).

I no longer have any need for ownership of my music.  I am sure that statement would scare the music companies (especially since they are, supposedly, not receiving a “fair” amount for the music that these online stations play — see politics).  That sort of statement has obviously scared Apple (and the Microsoft Zune team), which is why they came up with the “Genius” feature.

The feature is a good idea in concept and should stem some bleeding of users towards these services.  However, if you want to listen to any new music (new being a) anything not in your library or b) recently released), the “Genius” feature still requires work on your part.  You have to buy the music.  With each of these services in my pocket (a la iPod Touch/iPhone) and on my computer, why would I ever need to buy new music and then use Apple’s “Genius?”

Networking Fiend

I moved into a new place in May.  It is a new building and every apartment is wired with CAT5e ethernet [rather than phone lines].  The builder put in telecom routers.  Despite my best efforts, speaking with the ethernet subcontractor and a number of electricians, I could not set up a network. What did I do?

I took down their telecom routers, I cut and crimped my own ethernet wires and then hooked them up to one of the three wireless routers I have in the apt.  I now have a beautifully fast ethernet network (30Mbps down and 2Mbps up).

As one would imagine is required with a good network, here is what I have hooked up to it:

1. Xbox 360

2. Tivo HD (and now have Tivo Connect setup with my network so that I can view my photos and listen to my mp3s).

3. Vonage

4. Wii (using my Tivo’s wireless G network card — I did not think it would work but it did, right away).

5. Old laptop computer, which is hooked up to the TV via S-video (doesnt look great but I am working on that) and using wireless keyboard/mouse.

6. Two other computers hooked up wirelessly.

Phew…