We’ve seen a number of music sites like Seeqpod and Grooveshark that leverage user-uploaded music scattered across the web to offer free, on-demand jukeboxes. These services manage to skirt legal repercussions by only serving content that is hosted on other sites, which makes them harder to sue (though some have tried).
Streamzy, a media search startup that launched earlier this year, has taken this approach one step further. Instead of trying to index user-generated content, Streamzy uses Seeqpod’s database as a content source, which it further refines by weeding out broken links. The site, which used to only support audio, has just introduced video playback as well.
Streamzy offers a streamlined (and much improved) interface for Seeqpod’s content, sporting a minimalist player that neatly labels each song by title and artist name. Beyond basic media playback, Streamzy also offers an intuitive drag-and-drop playlist maker that users can save for future reference. In the future the company plans to allow for users to embed playlists on their blogs and social network profiles.
Streamzy isn’t much more than a resigned interface for Seeqpod, but it’s a redesign that was badly needed. And while it will have a hard time differentiating itself from the likes of Jogli, Songza, Soundflavor and a number of others, it’s a good place to start for music on demand.
New Skin, and voila, you have a new product. Good job at the UI though.
So many apps are being made with Flex these days.. That tell tale initialization screen and teal backdrop are a dead give away. This looks like a rush job to be honest… no customization on any of the elements…
Flex Frontend + seeqpod api + youtube api + dead link check = new product?
Even the logo looks rushed.. I thought TechCrunch covered innovative products
I’d love to have seen the pitch meeting to investors for this:
- We want start a service on top of an already existing service that is legally shady and relies on a decentralized, unreliable source of content.
-Brilliant! Here’s a blank check. Now go build us the ugliest logo you can think of.
So their entire business model is dependent on the existence of another wobbly startup?
Seems like a shaky business plan to me.
Are they positioning themselves to be acquired by Seeqpod?
What if Seeqpod goes under?
What if Seeqpod sues?
Why doesn’t this article address any of those questions?
http://www.quickerly.com
Another sweet app for those looking to find and share ‘jams’ with friends. Created by Kortina.net; (uses seeqpod, tinydb and yahoo pipes.)
via his blog “…. I threw together a quick prototype of the kind of thing you can build with tinydb.org. I was going to wait and polish it a bit more before letting people use it, but I kept wanting to send people songs so I just had to start using it myself and put it out there …”
More power to you Streamzy. There are thousands of blogs covering music, so that’s the major source of Seeqpod’s music. I don’t think it’s terribly hard to replicate that technology (crawler). Any case, point is that Music blogs don’t seem to be in any eminent danger right now. So Seeqpod may survive for now, and so would Streamzy. Unless you get a Judge like ..nvm.
Reverse engineering other websites/software is the future people : http://myphillynetwork.com/con.....m-flattery
Hello all,
I’m Jesse, one of the founders and I’m glad to see the responses that Streamzy is getting from the TechCrunch community, but I’d like to address some of you haters:
-This start-up is self-funded by two 21 year olds - no other investors have had the opportunity to put capital into this project.
-A logo may be ugly to one person, but all logo’s are ugly/unrecognizable until they establish their brand identity and loyalty.
-Considering we haven’t paid a nickel for PR, I consider this hate to be the new love so keep it coming!
-And lastly, if you haters think the idea is so terrible then please go to http://www.streamzy.com and while you are there click our Feedback link and tell us how YOU think we should make it better.
Keep drinking that Haterade, it’s good for you!
Maino - Hi Hater @ Streamzy (http://www.streamzy.com/?artist=maino&song=hi%20hater&n=20&type=0)
@Jesse Chemtob
“but all logo’s are ugly/unrecognizable until they establish their brand identity and loyalty.”
False.
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What about this cool site —> http://www.Mp3Embed.com
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To each his own. The feedback is still good though.
Add http://sadsteve.com to the list of Seeqpod-ish sites. It’s branded as “the music search engine created by angry youth,” whatever that means…
Anyways, the difference with Sad Steve is users can download each and every track (all twenty-one million of them), so anyone who wants to iPod it or use a desktop program to play their stuff can still do it.
I guess freedom rules!
Paz,
CollegeCutie
I am just wonder if storing just 30 seconds of a pop music for download is legal or illegal?
Am I am preparing to launch a site for people to upload music, cut & mix in web app. with 30s maximum.
Your comment will be helpful.
This site is a perfect example of putting branding and design last. It seems more and more start-ups feel that their concept is strong enough to carry the entire weight of the company.
When compared to other competitors this site, with it’s weak branding, and uniquely dull user interface loses credibility instantly.
Some pointers. Change your logo. The earphones break-up the flow and make the name very difficult to read at a glance. Lighten up the screen. Let me know if I can help.
Go figure. I e-mailed TechCrunch earlier this week to consider reviewing my site, snuzu.
No response. But imagine my delight when I logged on this morning for my daily dose and read this lovely piece.
“Streamzy uses Seeqpod’s database as a content source” just like snuzu.
“which it further refines by weeding out broken links” just like snuzu.
“Streamzy offers a streamlined (and much improved) interface for Seeqpod’s content” just like snuzu. In fact, I DEFY YOU to find a cleaner interface than mine.
“Streamzy isn’t much more than a resigned interface for Seeqpod” Ahhh, this is where we differ. Snuzu integrates with your media player of choice to keep track of the music you play and generate a custom page with your listening history, along with play buttons next to each track! And a Facebook application to boot!
Honestly, TechCrunch. Get real.
I saw a presentation done by Michael Arrington at a start-up conference and he said he wished he could cover more of the start-ups that aren’t getting covered.
Congrats to Streamzy for getting this coverage, but c’mon, how did this get through the editorial process. Not only is this not innovative, it is nothing new. There are lots of great start-ups doing cool stuff, this aint one of them.
for me the best is Project Playlist, here i wrote something
http://www.navigaweb.net/2008/.....a-sul.html