The Filter: mobile music search, recommendation and discovery

Rating: Rock ON

A new style of recommendation software for mobile will be launched on February 9th 2007. The Filter will launch downloadable software to enhance the MP3 music experience on Nokia Series 60 devices.

From the press release:
The Filter was initially launched for PC/Win XP in October 2006, and instantly became a must-have for any self-respecting iTunes user - garnering great feedback from the media and users alike. It is the first release by Bath based company Exabre, early pioneers of recommendation software for the digital music world. The Filter is backed by a team that includes rock visionary Peter Gabriel and founder of European digital music pioneer OD2, (now owned by Nokia) Charles Grimsdale.

The Filter makes navigating your mobile phone music collection quick and easy. Once you have uploaded the application, simply pick an artist you want to listen to, hit the select icon and in seconds, The Filter will create a great playlist for you. It saves hours of your time and will rekindle a love of your music collection. Even the most dedicated music junkie won’t be able to resist the temptation – playlists within a matter of clicks to keep you happy all day long!

What we think
We haven’t tested The Filter yet (and GoMo News mobile search addicts prefer to test products first) – but from what we gather; The Filter can fulfill a need in the mobile market. Creating a playlist from a genre or artist is a godsend that is currently void on the mobile phone. Also, swapping music is possible with The Filter as if the consumer gets bored at one click of a button they can “rocker” The Filter to recommend another five artists.

Basically the software does the work and the consumer listens.

The Filter sounds like a quantum leap in the right direction for mobile music. Its intuitive and offers a unique version of search and discovery. It currently support iTunes. But a new Filter Mobile website is also on its way and that promises even groovier new services and offers.

Music search is hot. Recommendation is vital and its not just about finding new services its about enjoyment in the mobile music experience. Passive listening can make the uptake of mobile music rocket and at present the mobile music experience from downloading to purchasing to finding can be a bit messy.

Related News:

1. The Filter: extends mobile music recognition to the Nokia E60, N93 and N80
2. Mobile music search and discovery: three questions with Victor Fredell Sony Ericsson’s Content Acquisition Manager for music
3. Music Search and Discovery with SonyEricsson and Gracenote
4. The Filter - An intelligent, interactive portal for Music, Films and Web Video.
5. Music recommendation company Gracenote partners with Ikivo