Apple Nixes Ping—the music social network no one used bcuz it lacked Facebook integration

This news substantiates my belief that in order to for new forms of communication platforms to thrive, they must collaborate with existing (successful) systems. Collaboration is key because competition actually inhibits innovation when in comes to social media. Tumblr would not be as successful as it is without Twitter integration, and by enabling website membership through one’s facebook profile, Facebook further entrenched its position as the dominate facilitator in online networking. Despite the failure of Ping, Apple’s iTunes hasn’t been completely superseded by Spotify—yet. iTunes is still valuable due to the popularity of iPods, iPhones, iPads, and Podcasts. By adding Facebook integration into the next version of iTunes, I believe Apple will begin to see happy users enthusiastically (re)embrace the music platform.