Pandora Radio – Review

Our rating:

By: Pandora Media, Inc.

Version #: 1.1

Date Released: 2008-07-09

Developer:

Price: 0.00

User Rating:

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(This review was a joint effort by Elana and Peter)

Whether it’s a new favorite, "Swingtown", or a mind-less episode of "True Hollywood Story", I always watch TV when I workout at home (doing Peter’s amazing 5 Minutes to Fitness+ core exercise program- 20 minutes and I’m done).  And although I’ve been told that exercising to music is a great way to excite you about your workout, raise your heart rate and pass the time, I’ve been reluctant to do so . . . up until now. 

Out of desperation (no access to TV where I exercise while on vacation) and a desire to "change something" (a popular Peter K mantra) to keep my workout fresh, I chose to listen to music during this Tuesday’s workout.  Not interested in just one artist or type of music, I decided to review Pandora’s new app for my iPod Touch.  Incredibly easy to use, I logged onto the website www.pandora.com, (through my desktop- less cumbersome to do than on your device- something made possible just two days ago) established an account, typed in a few sample songs (you could also type in artists’ names) and Pandora did the rest.  Within 5 minutes, I had three "radio stations"- all customized to my needs (high energy, mid-level beat and slow down) and personal preferences (in this case: songs like ones from Pink, Duran Duran and Jamiroquai). 

Pandora, through attributes or "genes" assigned to songs by their ingenious Music Genome Project, was able to create playlists with similiar-sounding melodies and tempos.  Diverse and interesting, yet familiar and fun, I was pleased with almost all selections of songs (most of which I had never heard) on all three "radio stations".  At times there was a song I didn’t like, so I simply pressed the fast forward button and a new one way played (something you can only do up to 6 times/radio station, due to Pandora’s music licensing).  I had a better workout than usual- singing along (when I could catch my breath) and dancing a bit afterward (b/c no one was looking 🙂  to the music. 

I shared my enthusiasm for and experience using Pandora with Peter (who has been listening to music during his workouts and client training sessions for years).  An avid iPod Touch user himself (primarily to play his terrific workout DVD), he was impressed by Pandora’s basic user-interface and incredibly accurate song selection, as well. 

QUICK TAKE

Value: HIGH!

Would We Buy It Again:  Elana says, yes, even if it weren’t free (BUT it is, so why not try it).  Peter says he might- although probably not because he can make his own playlist/s of the music he loves.

Learning Curve: Low- extremely simple to use.  Requires the basics from you and it does the rest.

Who Is It For: Anyone (over the age of 8), lacking desire or time to create their own playlist/s OR wishing to explore some new, unfamiliar music.

What We Like: it’s FREE, ease of use- on your desktop or device of choice, cool concept, the company/management (check out their incredibly distinguished, mostly musical backgrounds- amazing!), their newsletter, "Inside the Genome" (which sends you updates about your individual "radio stations"- a nice way to discover new artists and songs, as well give you the latest scoop on those you already know)

What We Don’t Like: You must have a data connection (Peter couldn’t use it his garage, where he usually works out, because his router didn’t reach that far.)

Bottom Line: Peter and I love it.  And, considering there’s a new Pandora user every 2 seconds (according to their CTO, Tom Conrad), it seems we’re not alone.  Don’t wait- download it now.  You can write in to thank us later 😉