GeniusPlaylist
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Apple TV 101: Create a genius playlist on Apple TV
Of late, the Apple TV hasn't received all that much attention here at TUAW. We can only assume that's because it simply does what it says on the tin -- it just works! But the other day, I found myself trying to do something quite simple on my Apple TV, and it wasn't "just working!" Using AirPlay to stream music from my Mac to my Apple TV (2nd generation) downstairs, I wanted to create a genius playlist on the Apple TV without going upstairs to my Mac or using the Remote app. Using the Apple remote, I started scrolling through all the various menu options to try and find any way to create a genius playlist from a particular artist's song, but I couldn't find anything anywhere. Out of sheer frustration -- guests were knocking at the door -- I squeezed the Apple remote and accidentally pushed down and held the center select button. All of a sudden, a menu appeared out of nowhere with a "start genius" option. Crisis averted! So there you go. To create a genius playlist on an Apple TV (2nd generation), go to the artist's song you want to start the playlist with, hold down the center select button on the Apple Remote and click on "Start Genius."
Create a Genius playlist on the iPhone and iPod touch
Love it or hate it, Genius is the marquee feature of iTunes 8. Basically, it creates playlists based upon a single song in your library. iPhone and iPod touch firmware 2.1 added it to those devices, and it has worked well in my experience. Here's how you can have your iPhone or iPod touch generate a Genius playlist for you (Note that you must sync with iTunes 8 to get the Genius icon on your iPhone/iPod touch).First, touch "Playlists." You'll see the "Genius" option at the top of the list. Tap that, and a new window appears. From there, touch the song you want to be the basis for the playlist. Your iPod will work for a second, generate the list and immediately begin playing the first track. While it plays, tap the screen to bring up the familiar progress bar. You'll notice the Genius icon is displayed, indicating that it's working on a Genius playlist. Touch the back button to refresh the list (force the iPod to make new choices) or create a new one. You can also save the playlist from here. Note that Genius playlists are named for the original target track.You can view screenshots of the process in the gallery below.%Gallery-31795%
