Pandora custom Internet radio reaches Sprint
updated 08:55 am EDT, Wed May 23, 2007
Pandora on Sprint
Online music provider Pandora today announced multiple deals to land its radio streaming service on devices, including a key deal with Sprint. Subscribers to the cell service with both an EVDO data plan and a compatible phone will be able to create a customized Internet radio stream similar to Pandora's existing web-based service: searching for an artist or individual song can automatically generate radio with music from similar artists, guaranteeing that the selection will be relevant without requiring extensive editing. Listeners can also approve or reject songs as they reach the queue and can save stations directly from the phone rather than rely on their computer accounts.
In Sprint form, phones will be integrated tightly with the carrier's cell-based music store. Songs (both current and recent) can be tagged to remember their track information for later; though not necessarily used with the Sprint store, the company says, the data can be used to recognize songs well after they've been played to download them later either on the phone or at home.
Pandora service is available immediately for an extra $3 per month for the Samsung A900 (pictured) and A920, the LG Fusic, and the Sanyo 7500/8400. All EVDO-enabled Sprint phones, however, should have Pandora software available by the end of June.
