Pandora Internet Radio

Its been a while since I've blogged anything geeky so here we go with a bit of information about Pandora internet radio.  Pandora is a US internet radio service that is really clever, you give it an artist or song title and it creates a virtual radio station with similar music.  You will be amazed at how well it works, your favorite song title will produce a selection of music that is just your taste, read on

 Like a lot of US based internet services it is restricted to the US and requires a US IP address, we can get round this problem using a VPN or proxy, see previous blog entry for details.

The other good thing about Pandora is the app available for iOS devices, so if you got an iPhone/iPod Touch and a speaker base, music for your BBQ's and Party's is sorted.  However, the app is also restricted and you need a US iTunes account.

So lets create a US iTunes account, first go to iTunes Pandora and select view in iTunes.  iTunes will tell you this app is only available in the US store and give you the option to switch to that store, do it.  When you click to download the app it will ask you to sign in and your UK account details will not work, click new account.  On the first page you will need to use an email address other than the one registered to your UK account.  Get yourself across to GMail and create a new account if necessary.  On the next page  under payment options you need to select none but now we need a US address and phone number.

So lets get one, go to Fake Name Generator and it should default to Gender - Random, Name Set - American, Country - United States.  If you want a male or female profile change the gender and click Generate, below the Google add you will see your new details.  Use the name, address and phone number to complete the form, the two letters before the zip code are the State and the zip code is just the numbers.  Then check your email and activate your account, US iTunes account, DONE!!!

Now on your iDevice got to settings, Store, select Sign Out and then Sign In and use your new US iTunes account details.  Now when you go to the App Store you will be on the US App Store, search for Pandora and download.  All you have to do now is connect your iDevice to your VPN (Giganews offer VyprVPN which is really easy to set-up on an iDevice), start Pandora and create a new account.  And that's Pandora Internet Radio on your iDevice, guests complaining about your music library, sorted!!!  Don't forget to sign out of your US iTunes account when you want to purchase apps as you have no payment details on this account and will need to use your UK account (go to Settings, Store as above).