Hacked iPhones get Pandora-like derandomizing

Instinctiv de-randomizes the random shuffle function on iPhones, but only if you "jailbreak" them first.

(Credit: Instinctiv)

A couple weeks ago, I pondered if early adopters of the iPod and other MP3 players were starting to lose patience with the random shuffle function. Too much black and white, not enough gray.

Almost on cue, start-up Instinctiv came out on Thursday with its first application, an iPhone and iPod Touch application called Instinctiv Shuffle that will derandomize the random iTunes-shuffling feature.

Instinctiv Shuffle uses an algorithm similar to that developed by Pandora and other taste-tracking sites to select the perfect song to play next--like having a professional DJ sift through your collection.

There's a catch: Instinctiv Shuffle works only on so-called "jail-broken" iPhones, which means that you have to download the right firmware (version 1.1.4), then download and run another piece of software called iLiberty (or take matters into your own hands, if you have the technical sophistication to do so).

Doing this has risks: Apple's been known to release software updates that disable third-party applications and prevent unlocked iPhones from using alternate cellular networks. Instinctiv apparently didn't want to be bound to certain limitations in the iPhone SDK.

[PeterBrodsky]

Hi Matt,

This is one of the developers of the Instinctiv Shuffle. your thought process was exactly what led us to create the app, so I'm hoping your one of the 10,000 users who chose to download our application today!

We'd love to talk more extensively about the history and reasons behind making this a "jailbreak" app. We made the tough decision not to make this "fit" SDK parameter because it seriously cripples the power of most applications that try to "break the technology glass ceiling".

if your interested in a detailed discussion our CEO, Justin Smithline would love to set something up! just shoot us an email at [e-mail]

Enjoy!

Peter

[clumpkin]

I love Pandora and have actually discovered several bands I have never heard of because of their ability to suggest music based on my listening habits. For now I think Instinctiv only works on my existing iPod library which I know I like since I took the time to install them on my iPod in the first place. Until Pandora releases a client for the iPod for me the best alternative is the client for last.fm which works quite well. If the Instinctiv developers can get it to make suggestions of music not installed on my iPod then I would find it useful.

[thelemurking]

With a name like Instictiv, I would love to see this come to the Samsung Instinct :)

[Seaspray0]

If apple did not restrict the SDK, limit application distribution through itunes, and take 30% off the top for itself, then we would probably see alot more apps like this one.

[PeytonO]

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