The Telegraph has an article about The Filter, which has an intriguiging qote at the end…
Software that knows what you like (in your iTunes wardrobe)
By David Derbyshire, Consumer Affairs Editor
Last Updated: 2:48am BST 27/10/2006Read the full interview with Peter Gabriel
It’s the digital equivalent of the dinner guest who rifles through your record collection before lecturing you about the trendy bands you should be listening to.
Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel: This is the most intelligent software of its kindThe Filter, launched this week by the rock star Peter Gabriel, is designed to study the music stored on a computer and suggest other albums and artists based on the owner’s tastes.
Available to download free from the internet, it also lets people click on a single track in their music library and create a playlist of similar songs for a PC or iPod.
Gabriel, who owns a share of The Filter’s parent company, believes the software is the most intelligent of its kind.
"I think we are drowning in information and choices and you really need good filtering to help you get the stuff you really want," said.
Future versions could give users more control, allowing them to choose more experimental songs one day and more familiar music the next, depending on their mood.
"That’s the sort of stuff I know I dream of and I would like that to happen in all sorts of areas," said Gabriel, 56. "I like eating at Clarke’s restaurant London where Sally Clarke will just feed you rather than give you a big menu. I think there are times when you want to explore and research stuff and dig down, but there are a lot of times when you just want really good stuff to arrive."
"I much prefer that to the sort of Robbie Williams model where the record company is earning from the live concerts and merchandising as well," he said.
Gabriel is still in touch with his former bandmates, who include the singer and drummer Phil Collins, but turned down the chance to take part in a Genesis reunion tour next year.
"I think they seemed to be enjoying the rehearsals from what I’ve heard, so there’s no bad feeling there," he said.
And there you have it!!
