Apple Music released Planet of the Appson Wednesday in what can only be referred to as a stealth launch. The unscripted series, scheduled vaguely for spring, follows the creators of new apps as they seek the funding and guidance needed to succeed in the cutthroat world of modern tech.
SEE ALSO:This app's 'travel mode' could keep your data safe from border guardsThe show's premise is simple: Aspiring contestants pitch their app ideas to a panel of judges -- Jessica Alba, Gwyneth Paltrow, Gary Vaynerchuk, and will.i.am -- in hopes of working together and eventually meeting with financial backers. The first spiel they give is on a moving escalator -- a twist on the classic "elevator pitch" -- and from thereon it's like Shark Tank meets The Voice for technology -- but unfortunately without any of the excitement.
Two apps get the spotlight in the premiere episode: Pair, an augmented reality app that helps with interior decoration, and Companion, which pairs individuals with designated buddies for security purposes. Both are downloadable on the App Store, which gives the show a unique interactivity, but that's one of few things going for it.
After the escalator pitch, contestants have an opportunity to give the judges a more in-depth presentation, which they can only do if at least one judge gives the green light. After the presentation, judges decide whether to stay green, and one of them becomes the creators' mentor moving forward.
Pair's creator teams up with Alba, and the 22-year-old University of Michigan alumni behind Companion get their dream mentor of Vaynerchuk, who comes off as a bit of a catastrophist in their early meetings (the apps young creators are far more charismatic in their vulnerability).
If you're familiar with the world of apps and their genesis, Planet of the Appscould be compelling, but if you're not, the show is a slog. The most compelling parts are the human struggles, such as Companion having to scramble for money after Google launches an almost identical product. Human drama drives reality television -- it's what makes the tech-heavy Silicon Valley so exquisitely watchable. In dissecting the technology that arguably divides us socially, Planet of the Appsloses a lot of humanity.
The first episode is available free on the iTunes store, and the second available for purchase. The first is slow, but later episodes may pick up, especially judging by this tweet:
Tweet may have been deleted
(责任编辑：知識)
New Zealand designer's photo series celebrates the elegance of aging
Cara Delevingne is getting her very own documentaryThe 128GB version of Google's Pixel XL is sold out at VerizonZayn is very inspired and a little weirded out by your fan fictionThis German startup wants to be your bank (without being a bank)Katy Perry talks 'Rise,' her next batch of songs, and how to survive Twitter
Katy Perry recently surpassed 90 million followers on Twitter, making her the person with the most f
...[详细]Snapchat shows frontlines of battle for Mosul as it deepens a role in breaking news
As Iraqi and Kurdish forces fight to take back the city of Mosul from Islamic State militants, the t
...[详细]
So far, most self-driving bus trials have involved smaller pod-like vehicles trundling between short
...[详细]Walking Dead's Andrew Lincoln talks Glenn, Episode 702 and Shiva
This interview contains spoilers for The Walking Dead Season 7 premiere.The dust has settled from th
...[详细]Old lady swatting at a cat ends up in Photoshop battle
We all have that relative who gets annoyed with the cat. 。This timeless photo of an old woman shooing
...[详细]Outlander wine will let you rival Claire and Jamie's dinner parties
It's going to be a long, hard winter without 。 Outlander 。to brighten our screens -- the show is curre
...[详细]Australian politicians are in trouble for using WhatsApp. Here's why.
With a known love for the disappearing message app Wickr, Australian politicians are also keen on th
...[详细]10 ‘Civilization VI’ beginner tips to help you rule the world
Strategy games can be imposing beasts, with layered systems and complex progression. Firaxis’
...[详细]Give your kitchen sponge a rest on this adorable bed
Our kitchen sponges do a lot of work. Don't they deserve a good night's rest?"Sure," said design stu
...[详细]10 ‘Civilization VI’ beginner tips to help you rule the world
Strategy games can be imposing beasts, with layered systems and complex progression. Firaxis’
...[详细]Tesla's rumored P100D could make Ludicrous mode even more Ludicrous
The 128GB version of Google's Pixel XL is sold out at Verizon