Showing posts with label Pandora. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pandora. Show all posts

How is Best Buy Mobile Doing? An Overview of Best Buy's Mobile Division in 2024

Best Buy Mobile

Best Buy has long been known as a go-to retailer for consumer electronics, appliances, and tech support. But how is Best Buy Mobile, the company’s mobile-focused division, performing in 2024? In a competitive market dominated by carriers and direct-to-consumer models, Best Buy Mobile continues to evolve to meet the needs of smartphone users, offering a range of devices, mobile plans, and tech services. Let’s take a closer look at how Best Buy Mobile is doing in today’s dynamic market.

What is Best Buy Mobile?

Pandora Data Network Not Availability Problems


Do Android phones stream Pandora content better over cellular LTE than iPhones?  I switch from an Android phone to a Iphone today and was listening to Pandora on a run.  It kept cutting out saying network was not available. This has never happened using an Android phone. Anyone familiar with the issue? All other data and apps were working fine and my data plan was current.  

Why Does Pandora Randomly Start Playing?

Pandora is automatically starting
Why Is My Pandora Android App Randomly Turning On?

Its very frustrating as a fan of Pandora to see my Pandora app randomly turn on.  It happens to me on an Android phone. It is also very hard to find the quit button.   You have to hit menu button which is not easy to find.  Are they trying to sell ads or boost their ratings?  Are they trying to make it hard for me to turn off the app?  See also our reviews and articles on the Pandora.  

Is Verizon FiOS Blocking Wifi Enabled TVs From Connecting To Routers?

Having Samsung Wireless Link FiOS Router Problems?

What most people don't know is that Verizon FiOS has a nasty reputation of secretly blocking competition by creating technical hurdles that make devices not work any longer.  I had my Samsung TV hooked up to my Verizon Actiontec router for over a year and it suddenly stopped working.  This happened a few years ago when I was using Slingbox as well and trying to access TV programming remotely.  Verizon blocked access.   Are they not blocking access to their routers from Samsung and other WiFi-enabled TV's?  

Why would Verizon FiOS do this?  First, they want to rent you DVR boxes for $10-$20 per month.  Second, they don't want their customers using Netflix, Pandora, or anything that competes with watching TV or video on demand.  Why is no one investigating this?   FCC?


Pandora vs Sirius XM: Which is Best?

I recently had an epiphany on two recent two hour road trips that made me start to rethink my assumption that Satellite radio is more reliable than 3G / 4G radio.  I drove from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara on the 101 Freeway along the coast that notoriously has poor cell reception.  I also drove from Los Angeles to Palm Springs during rush hour and a heavy usage period.

I tested both Pandora streaming on my HSPA+ G2 Android phone and Sirius Satellite radio that comes with a factory installed radio inside my Volvo XC90.  Which did you think dropped fewer signals and had the best streaming audio experience?  Your intuition would make you think the Satellite performed better but you would be wrong.  T-Mobile's 3G HSPA+ network worked excellent the entire way along the coast and on the 10 Freeway without stuttering a song once.

So, why is Sirius XM starting to lose signal in areas that you would least expect.  Sirius also loses a signal in an area you would expect under bridges and in areas blocked by buildings or a parking structure.  Its can be annoying at times when listening to Howard Stern who has funny punch line every few minutes. Is it their terrestrial repeater network that is being congested?  Do their satellites need an upgrade or is it interference?

My speculation is that Pandora does a better job of downloading more content and caching songs ahead of time.  Pandora caches songs so when you enter areas of poor cellular strength you have radio content to stream.  Sirius on the other hand only caches a few seconds of the song or show and therefor if you lose signal you are likely going to lose some of the content.

I also tried something new using my cars new Bluetooth streaming feature that sends audio from my phone into my car stereo speakers.  I used the Pandora app on my G2 T-Mobile phone and it work great.  Keep in mind I have an unlimited data plan with T-Mobile so I am not worried about going over my data plan.  Pandora streaming doesn't use as much data as you'd think so it begs the question, how much data does Pandora use on cell phone?

In conclusion, I think that 3G / 4G / 5G streaming in the car radio has a lot of promise in the future as more consumers realize its pretty easy to do.  However, carriers are going to have to be more lenient and transparent about data caps and usage for customer in order to not scare people off.  Fore those who have unlimited data plans enjoy your Sirius or Spotify mobile apps as much as you want.  The experience is going to have to be cheap for the masses to use it.  Therefore, other services will have to be embedded into the car radio like Direct TV, Navigation or OnStar emergency services in order for consumers to pay a premium.  

Free 3G Amazon Kindle Fire Android Tablet?

Amazon Kindle Fire with Android OS is Coming for $199 


Amazon announced today a WiFi only 7 inch Android tablet that it will sell for $199.  However, will Amazon's next version of the Fire have free 3G wireless?  Amazon allows customers who have the black and white Kindle to access AT&T 3G for free.   The next Amazon Fire could have free AT&T 3G for $299 similar to the black and white Kindle for $79.  The current WiFi only Fire tablet has a 7 inch screen and weights only 14.6 ounces.  The Amazon does not include 3G and you can pre-order it for $199.  Shipping date is November 15, 2011.

This is a tremendous breakthrough for the industry where the device itself becomes a commodity and the services behind the device become the real value.  Subscriptions to content like Pandora, Netflix or Amazon movie become more important and thus will allow Amazon to subsidize the price of the device.

It remains to be seen if newspapers can get into the game of require subscriptions to view their content.  My speculations is they won't have much success getting people to pay for news and simply will have apps build in this Android platform that are filled with ads.

If you compare this device to the iPad 2 its $300 cheaper and does not have the following features.  Camera and GPS which are unnecessary for most tablet users.  Tablet users are primarily inside the home and office and only need WiFi.   Also, if you are a savvy user and have figured out how to tether WiFi devices to your 4G smartphone than the WiFi only version will also be sufficient.  

How to Listen to Pandora on Your TV

Listening to Pandora on your TV brings your favorite playlists, stations, and podcasts to the big screen, perfect for parties, background ambiance, or simply enhancing your home audio experience. Here’s how to set up and enjoy Pandora on different TV platforms.

Ways to Access Pandora on Your TV

1. Streaming Devices

  • Apple TV: Open the App Store, search for “Pandora,” and download the app.
  • Amazon Fire TV: Go to the Amazon App Store, search for “Pandora,” download, and launch the app.
  • Roku: Go to the Roku Channel Store, search for “Pandora,” and add it to your channels.
  • Android TV: Open the Google Play Store, find the Pandora app, and install it.

2. Smart TVs

  • Samsung Smart TV: Many Samsung TVs support the Pandora app, which can be downloaded from the Samsung App Store.
  • LG Smart TV: You can download the Pandora app from the LG Content Store if available.

3. Casting from Your Phone

  • Chromecast: If you have a Chromecast-enabled device or built-in Chromecast support on your TV, open the Pandora app on your phone, tap the Cast icon, and select your TV.
  • Apple AirPlay: For TVs with AirPlay support, open Pandora on an iPhone or iPad, select AirPlay, and choose your TV as the streaming device.

How to Sign In and Start Listening to Pandora on TV

  1. Open the Pandora App on Your TV: Once the app is downloaded, open it and select “Sign In.”
  2. Log In or Use Activation Code: Some TVs require you to enter an activation code at pandora.com/activate, while others may prompt you to enter your credentials directly.
  3. Browse and Play: After signing in, explore your stations, create playlists, and listen to recommended music based on your preferences.

Benefits of Pandora on Your TV

  • Home Audio Enhancement: With your TV’s audio system, Pandora becomes ideal for parties, relaxation, or background ambiance.
  • Personalized Playlists: Your saved playlists, stations, and recommendations are accessible, making it easy to find the right music for any mood.
  • Variety of Content: Explore curated playlists, artist radios, and Pandora podcasts directly from your TV.

Subscription Options

Pandora offers both free, ad-supported streaming and premium subscriptions. If you have Pandora Premium, you can enjoy on-demand listening and offline playback, which can be especially useful for uninterrupted listening.

Enjoying Pandora on your TV adds a whole new dimension to your music experience, transforming your home into a personalized concert hall or relaxed music lounge!

Why Pandora Could Be The Next Google

Pandora is Not Just About Music
Personalization of the web is the next big thing and its just as big as search was 10 years ago!  That is why I am so happy to hear that Pandora raised $250M in an IPO this week after being rejected by hundreds of "smart venture capitalists" who said the company will never make any money and be successful. That is the same thing many said about Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) back in 1999 before they found their search advertising model Adsense and Adwords.  I am still kicking myself for not buying Google's stock at $95 per share and not making the same mistake buying Pandora at $13 per share below their IPO price of $16.  Aside from the obvious economics issues all of the short sellers and negative analysts are point out, I think the company could be disruptive to three huge industries who may resist the change (Telecom, Advertising, Entertainment).  This is why I love the company and I am not making the same mistake this time and buying the stock (NYSE: P).   Here are reasons why I like the product, stock, growth, the vision and the industry disruption.
  1. Pandora is FREE and buying music via Apple iTunes is very expensive
  2. Discovery of new brands, products, bands and music is endless 
  3. Its not JUST about music.  Pandora will recommend TV, Movies and Videos? 
  4. The Music Genome Project can apply to other things using 1's and 0's
  5. Ad-supported cloud-based business models are red hot
  6. The average person listens to 13 hrs of radio & 3 hours of owned music/week
  7. Pandora currently has 94M registered users up, up from 77% from 53M
  8. The company operating almost break-even only losing $6.8 million
  9. Revenues of $51 million, up 131% from $21.6 million in qtr
  10. Projected revenues of $250M in 2011
  11. Active listeners of 34 million, up 88% from 18 million
  12. Average listener hours up 127% to 1.6 billion hours from .7B hours
  13. Pandora’s adoption driven by Apple iPhones, iPads and Android Phones
  14. Pandora 94M users with only 1% of customers are paying (huge upside) 
  15. Netflix 25M subs paying $100 per year forecasting 50% growth (Market Cap 13B)
  16. Sirius 25M subs paying $100 per year forecasting 40% growth (Market Cap 8B)
  17. Only a $5 CPM covers the cost of running the Pandora service (upside)
  18. Pandora hasn't even started to sell local advertising yet (huge upside)
  19. Pandora's display advertising is targeted, relevant and not annoying. 
  20. Entertainment & telecom companies hate change (upside)
  21. Wireless carriers may up sell data plan packages Pandora mobile data plans
  22. Small stock float only 9.2% of shares outstanding compared to 24% tech avg
  23. An interesting short squeeze opportunity with all the negative sentiment
  24. Reed Hastings of Netflix says WiFi in TVs is a revolution.  (huge upside)
  25. Pandora TV app eliminates need for the expensive home audio system
  26. Pandora is another reason you don't need a cable box anymore 
This is ongoing list I will continue to add to.  Please submit your suggestions below.  See this company presentation on Slideshare about what the Genome project is measuring for recommendations.  Its not just likes.   
Related Posts:
Why Apple or Google Should Buy Pandora
Pandora vs Rhapsody Compared
Why DataCaps Are Killing iPhone App Market

How Much Data is Used Streaming Pandora?

If you are like me and like to use your Android or iPhone to stream Pandora in the car.  How much data are you using and should you worry about going over your data allotment.  It would take an average user 4.5 hours of streaming Pandora on a slow AT&T 3G connection (578 kbps) to max out the entire 200MB monthly data plan limit.  Be careful if you are using the AT&T $15 per Month 200MB data plan on might recommend with the 2GB per month plan.  The 2GB per month plan is just $10 more for the $25 per month on the AT&T DataPro plan?  The 2GB data plan prof will get you 45 hours of Pandora music instead of 4.5.  However, I always recommend using free Wi-Fi when streaming Pandora possible.  T-Mobile HSPA+ has works pretty well around the LA area for streaming and would appreciate any feedback from others on their experiences streaming Pandora on Verizon, Sprint and AT&T in other parts of the U.S.

Related Stories:
Why Pandora Could Be The Next Google
AT&T Wireless Data Plan "Bytes"
Why DataCaps Are Killing iPhone App Market

How to Sync Email, Text Messages & Docs on iPhone, iPad & iPod?


Carriers do not like this but iPhones, iPads and iPods will soon have an iCloud email, text messaging, documents and photos syncing feature.  The messaging feature will sync email, text messaging across the iPhone network to other Apple devices.  The documents and photos feature will sync data into the cloud across multiple devices.  This is commonly known as cloud computing and Android and Google Services have been syncing Gmail, Calendars, Docs, Picasa for a few years.  Apple's "new" iMessage service supports iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

Will this disrupt the $36B text messaging industry of AT&T, Verizon, Sprint & T-Mobile?  Will the carriers start augmenting text messaging plans and start reselling Apple's iCloud services for $10 per month?   How much will Apple charge for this or will this be a feature that is simply an additional costs center.  iCloud is obviously playing catch up with Google web services.

The only new feature that I heard is being able to sync the last 1,000 photos from your iPhone into the cloud. iMusic is another new product for $24 per year that will recommend music you might like.  Sounds very similar to Pandora but a lot more expensive if you have to buy the music.  Will this cause iPhone storage issues and presume this only works over WiFi I hope?

Related Stories:
Apple Attacking Overpriced Carrier Text Messaging Plans

WiFi in TVs is a Revolution

WiFi in TVs is a Revolution
Today at the All Things Digital Conference, Reed Hastings, the CEO of Netflix, said "WiFi TV is a Revolution."  Watch the video below and fast forward to 6:55 into the video to hear the visionary statement.  This statement struck a chord with me and if you have not been enlightened to the benefits of having a networked enabled TV, then you are missing out!

All HDTV's today have the capability to connect to your router WiFi or Ethernet cable to download movies or stream content from companies like Netflix and Pandora.  Its a tremendous innovation that cable companies have been resisting for years because it disintermediates their programming agendas and control of what your eyeballs watch.  The only hope for cable companies to survive in the content business is to maintain their monopoly licensees on live sports programming.  Personalized content is the next big thing on the web and Pandora and Netflix are driving it.

There are many technical benefits to having a WiFi enabled TV, which include software upgrades and access to any content anywhere on the web.  Boxee, Google TV, and Apple TV have been early pioneers at helping you aggregate and watch content through specialized boxes.  However, the reality is TV manufacturers like Samsung are leading the way to home-viewing innovation.  It took almost a decade for IPTV to arrive thanks to an innovative company from Korea called Samsung which is paving the way to the future.

One snafu that Netflix is starting to deal with is the broadband carriers starting to impose data caps on customers in order to protect their expensive cable programming subscriptions the consumers are starting to bypass.  In order to help avoid breaking bandwidth caps starting to get imposed by broadband ISPs, Netflix is letting U.S. customers adjust their bit rate and video streaming quality settings.  Netflix is already allowing customers to manage the bit rate in Canada.

Related Stories:
How to Improved Home WiFi Signal
Why Pandora Could Be The Next Google
Walt to FCC: Cable Companies Have Been Screwing Their Consumers For Years
10 Reasons to Cut your Cable TV Cord
ESPN & NFL Saves Cable Subscribers

Why Did Apple Buy iCloud.com Domain?

iCloud.com Now Redirects to iCloudiCloudcom

Apple has purchased the domain iCloud for $4.5M from a Swedish cloud company.  It is rumored that Apple is going to start a storage locker service as well as music storage service to store your iTunes music.  I think I understand the interest to protect by starting this service.  However, consumers are using and buying music less now that services like Pandora are taking off.  This is one reason why we think it would be smart for Apple to buy Pandora now.   Will you use a media storage service from Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL)? Here is a poll to express your opinion. 


AT&T Wireless Data Plan "Bytes"

Why AT&T Limited Data Plans Byte!

So what does AT&T's 2GB DataPro plan provide?  Many non-AT&T customers think tiered data plans are a scam to rip customers off even further.  Carriers steal you money with their text messaging scam and by  removing unlimited data plans. If an AT&T customer exceeds 2 GB during a billing cycle they will receive an additional 1 GB of data for $10 for use in the pay cycle. The 200 MB plan DataPlus is $15 per month, the DataPro 2GB plan is $25 per month without tethering and for a whopping $20 per month extra you can have the 2GB plan for $45 per month.  Here is an estimate of what the 2GB data plan will provide you in theory.

10,000 emails with no attachments
1,500 emails with attachments
4,000 web pages
500 photos to social media sites
200 minutes of streaming video
66 Hours of Pandora music at 30MB per hour


Why DataCaps Are Killing iPhone App Market

Mobile Apps Fear Data Caps

Mobile apps fear AT&T's data caps and are killing the growth of iPhone app downloads and putting developers out of business.  Just when you thought the iPhone was getting fun to use AT&T (T) has decided to put the kibosh on your mobile app pleasure because they can't get their network in order.  This has killed the growth of application downloads in the market and the consumption of data on the phone.  AT&T is a greedy dividend pig that would rather stifle growth and innovation to collect more dollars for its shareholders.  This is very short-sighted and will ultimately result in the main reason why I think Ralph de la Vega will be fired.  This change in tone by the carriers AT&T and Verizon really pisses off Steve Jobs.  I think this is one of the reasons why Apple's (AAPL) stock has been in a decline lately.  What happened to carriers and applications subsidizing applications apps with advertising?  This is one reason I think that Apple should buy  Pandora.   Here is what AT&T has done that is making their customers scared and therefore using their phone less.   Not only did AT&T put data caps on but they killed AT&T unlimited data plans

How to Get the SiriusXM App on Your TV

1. Streaming Devices

  • Apple TV: Download the SiriusXM app from the App Store on Apple TV.
  • Amazon Fire TV: Search for "SiriusXM" in the Amazon App Store on your Fire TV device.
  • Roku: Find and download the SiriusXM app in the Roku Channel Store.
  • Android TV: Open the Google Play Store, search for "SiriusXM," and download.

2. Smart TVs

  • Samsung Smart TV: Many Samsung TVs allow you to download the SiriusXM app directly from the Samsung App Store.
  • LG Smart TV: While the app may not be available on all LG models, some do support SiriusXM through the LG Content Store.

3. Casting from Your Mobile Device

  • If your TV supports Chromecast or AirPlay, you can cast SiriusXM from your smartphone or tablet to your TV.

How to Sign In and Start Streaming SiriusXM on Your TV

  1. Open the SiriusXM App on Your TV: Once the app is installed, open it and choose "Sign In."
  2. Enter Your Credentials: Use your SiriusXM username and password to log in.
  3. Explore Channels: Use the search function or browse by category to find Howard Stern, music, news, sports, and more.
  4. Add Favorites: Just like on the mobile app, you can save your favorite channels for easy access on your TV.

Benefits of SiriusXM on TV

  • Home Audio Experience: Enjoy enhanced audio on your home theater or TV sound system.
  • Family Friendly: SiriusXM's diverse selection means there's something for everyone in the household.
  • Easy Access to Shows: Whether it’s Howard Stern or exclusive podcasts, all your favorite content is just a click away.

Subscription Plans and TV Access

To access SiriusXM on your TV, you’ll need a subscription that includes streaming. The Platinum Plan and Streaming-Only Plan both support TV streaming, so you can enjoy a seamless experience across all your devices.

Pandora vs Rhapsody Compared

Rhapsody costs $10 per month and Pandora is Free

Rhapsody has a few million subscribers and Pandora has 50M plus users

Pandora has advertising and I assume Rhapsody does not

Rhapsody has 8M songs on its playlist which is larger than Pandora

Pandora customizes songs you might like based on other bands and songs 

Rhapsody allows you to stream just about any song or album

If you don't care about owning music and just want to listen Pandora is better

Rhapsody is a spin-out of Real Networks & Pandora is a VC back startup

Pandora is a human genome product looking for relationships

Rhapsody is a very simple subscription based streaming service

Both have Android, iPhone & Blackberry applications

Google TV Sony Logitech Demo at Best Buy


Google TV Logitech, Sony Blue-Ray are on display at Best Buy showing off the capabilities on Sony TVs. I really like the concept and the fact you can use your TV display to surf the internet and watch YouTube vides but its not compelling enough for me to buy.  Sony was the first manufacturer to jump onto the tidal wave of Google Internet TV and now indications are that Samsung will be the second.  I just purchased a Samsung 3D TV and love the idea of having applications directly on the TV and having a display directly connected to the internet.  Its great to see technology finally trying to disrupt cable monopolies who control video content distribution.

The capabilities on display at Best Buy demonstrates some nice functionality but nothing too complicated that couldn't be accomplished in a applications similar to Pandora or Hulu.  However, I really don't want to have another device like a Logitech keyword to do it.  I would prefer having the capability to control the Google TV app with my laptop or iPad that is directly connected through my wireless network to the TV.  That is the holy grail of being able to use a huge plasma, LCD or LED to surf the internet.  Let's hope that some is working on it because I don't see lots of consumers buying this product in its current form.

Listen to Howard Stern on iPhone or Android Phone

How to Listen to Howard Stern on the SiriusXM App: A Guide for iPhone and Android Users

If you're a fan of Howard Stern, you're in good company! Listening to Howard Stern on the go has never been easier with the SiriusXM app, available for both iPhone and Android. Whether you're tuning in for his latest interviews, commentary, or special events, the SiriusXM app offers a convenient, on-demand listening experience. Here’s everything you need to know about accessing Howard Stern and other top SiriusXM shows from your mobile device.

Why Listen to Howard Stern on SiriusXM?

Howard Stern’s move to SiriusXM brought a wealth of new content to his fans, along with his iconic blend of humor, interviews, and boundary-pushing topics. Now, with the SiriusXM app, you can catch Howard’s live broadcasts on Howard 100 and Howard 101, along with exclusive on-demand content, anytime and anywhere. Here are a few top reasons fans love tuning in through the SiriusXM app:

  • Live Access: Listen live to Howard Stern’s broadcasts.
  • Exclusive Content: Access to additional segments, interviews, and behind-the-scenes clips.
  • On-Demand Streaming: Listen to previous episodes, special interviews, and more when it suits you.

How to Download and Use the SiriusXM App for Howard Stern

  1. Download the SiriusXM App

    • iPhone Users: Go to the App Store, search for "SiriusXM," and download the app.
    • Android Users: Open the Google Play Store, search for "SiriusXM," and download the app to your device.
  2. Sign In or Start a Free Trial

    • If you're already a subscriber, simply sign in with your credentials.
    • New users can start a free trial to explore the app and access select content before committing to a subscription.
  3. Find Howard Stern’s Channels

    • Once logged in, use the search bar to find Howard 100 and Howard 101, where you can tune in live or catch up on-demand.
  4. Save Your Favorites

    • Bookmark Howard 100 and 101 in your app for easy access and to receive notifications about live broadcasts or special segments.

Subscription Options for Accessing Howard Stern on SiriusXM

To listen to Howard Stern’s shows, ensure that your SiriusXM plan includes streaming access. Here are some options:

  • Platinum Plan: Includes all of Howard Stern’s shows, along with hundreds of channels, exclusive podcasts, and on-demand shows.
  • Streaming-Only Plan: Perfect for listeners who primarily use the app, this plan offers access to a variety of content, including Howard Stern channels.

Tip: SiriusXM frequently offers free trials and discounts, so be sure to check for any promotions to get started!

Other Great Features on the SiriusXM App

Listening to Howard Stern is just one part of the experience. Here are some other app features that fans love:

  • Offline Listening: Download shows to listen offline.
  • Personalized Channels: Get recommendations based on your listening habits.
  • Podcasts & Music: Enjoy SiriusXM’s exclusive podcasts, live sports, and music channels in one app.

FAQs About Using the SiriusXM App for Howard Stern

Q: Can I listen to Howard Stern on-demand?
A: Yes! The SiriusXM app offers an on-demand catalog of Howard Stern’s shows, so you can listen whenever it fits your schedule.

Q: Does the SiriusXM app have a free trial?
A: SiriusXM offers new users a free trial, allowing you to explore Howard Stern’s content and other channels before committing to a paid plan.

Q: Can I download shows for offline listening?
A: Absolutely! The app’s offline listening feature lets you download episodes so you can listen when you’re offline.

Q: Is the SiriusXM app compatible with CarPlay and Android Auto?
A: Yes, you can listen to Howard Stern and all your other favorite channels directly in your car through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for a seamless experience on the road.

Final Thoughts

The SiriusXM app is the ultimate way to stay connected to Howard Stern, with live and on-demand access to his shows, exclusive content, and a wealth of other entertainment options. Download the SiriusXM app today and bring Howard Stern with you wherever you go!

Ready to get started? Find the SiriusXM app on the App Store or Google Play and start listening to Howard Stern today.

Why Apple or Google Should Buy Pandora

Consumers Don't Want to Own Music Anymore

How much longer can iTunes maintain its leadership position as the middleman for content owners to consumers?  I think the device manufacturing giant needs to think very quickly about buying a service like Pandora.  What is holding them back from spending their $50 billion dollars in cash?  Do they think they can recreate a similar experience themselves?  Is Apple afraid of cannibalizing their business of music and programming downloads?  My sense it is likely because AT&T, Verizon, Sprint & T-Mobile don't have their networks in order to handle the additional data streaming on 4G, LTE, Wimax.  However, this could be a strategic move if the new iPods and Shuffles become Wifi enabled.  

Google on the other hand doesn't have a music play and Pandora will start being used more frequently in the car.  Google could quickly bring a lot of location based advertising inventory onto the market with Pandora's 50M+ users.  Apple and Google have both shown their interest in predictive analytics which is Pandora specialty in music. Pandora uses this predictive playlist to recommend other songs you might like to keep you connected. The predictive playlists are an incredible user experience and are starting to carry ads that are relevant to the music.  The Pandora experience on my Samsung TV and new G2 phone.  It won't be surprising to see that Google TV also has a streaming music option very soon.  The question is whether they build it or partner with someone like Pandora? 

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