s.metcalf

Some good comments already.

If Apple wanted to make a social network (and you could argue they have the basis for this within iCloud already) then it should've been built around the Messages app, not further bloating iTunes.  Call the Messages app "Friends" or something and give it a friends list; essentially replacing or repurposing the AIM Buddies view (while still keeping AIM as a supported protocol) that integrates with all other parts of the OS like Contacts, Find My Friends, and yes, iTunes.  Ever since Apple changed iChat to Messages very few Mac users I know use the AIM social network anymore.  Perhaps this was their intent, but Apple didn't replace it with anything (well, until Ping) despite being in a very good position to do so.  I really miss having an IM chat network that doesn't revolve around posting permanent or semi-permanent posts (I'm vehemently opposed to those two), yet they all seemed to die off in the face of the Facebook and Twitter onslaught; even the once mighty MSN falling by the wayside.  I can't even seem to access AIM in Messages anymore.

Most of the social networking apps or universal clients like Adium already had a feature that let you show the current song being played within iTunes as your status message, and they did it better than Ping ever did.  Of course, social networks like AIM and MSN (or an Apple equivalent) don't support Twitter-like following of favourite artists, but this was the weakest part of Ping anyway and is better served by other services.  The Messages and FaceTime apps have always seemed like candidates to be merged, or Apple could introduce a new IM-focused app with a friends list that takes over Messages functionality and has traditional IM features like online status, status message, current playing song etc.

And yes, Ping was a terrible name.

payeco said:

Is this going to be the Irish data center debacle all over again? Say fuck it and build the flagship in Sydney.

Contrary to the mistaken headline, Sydney has long had a flagship store.  This is not the first.  Also, it's "Federation Square" not "Federal Square".

Love these videos!  Very informative and well presented!

prokip said:

What is it with you frigin Americans?  Do you know so l little about the rest of the world that you don't  even know the difference between the Australian and New Zealand flags.  It's not like we just dropped out off the sky last week.  Our country and our flag has been on the map for over a hundred years.  We have fought every war for that entire [eriod along side you yanks.  Surely that deserves a bit of R.E.S.P.E.C.T.  (may Aretha rest in peace.)
Sheeesh !!
(Where is DED when you need him?  He wouldn't have been so ignorant...)

Settle down!  I'm Australian and I thought it was funny.  No need to get so upset (maybe angry even) about it.

Why are you showing the flag of New Zealand?