More than one million users joined Apple’s new music-focused social network Ping in the 48 hours following its launch, the company said.

Apple said one-third of the people who downloaded iTunes 10, the latest version of its online entertainment store, signed up for Ping, which was unveiled by Apple chief executive officer Steve Jobs in San Francisco.

“As many more people download iTunes 10 in the coming weeks, we expect the Ping community to continue growing,” Eddy Cue, Apple’s vice president of internet services, said in a statement.

Ping, available as a free download at itunes.com, allows users to view photos and videos of their favourite musicians and receive information about concert dates.

Ping users can also connect with friends online to discuss albums and songs and make musical recommendations.

“It’s sort of like Facebook and Twitter meet iTunes,” Apple’s Mr Jobs said.

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