Never mind the iTunes, here's Google Music
Google have just wrapped up their Google Music launch event in LA.
It includes deep integration with Android, but also web and iOS apps. Currently only available in the US (although expect that to change very soon).
Key highlights from the announcement:
· Google Music is now officially available at music.google.com. It will be free and allow you to stream over 20,000 songs. The tagline is “Turns music lovers into music promotors.”
· Once a song is available on Google Music, it’s available across the web and on all your mobile devices.
· The app is integrated with the Android Market, like we reported, and you can buy songs directly from the new Music section. The Music homepage will feature “Staff Pics” and “Promotions.” Every artist’s page will feature recommendations and the app has social integration with Google+. Shares to Google+ will include one free play for a user’s friends.
· Google music store, a new version of the music market, an updated version of the web players and new Android and iOS apps.
· Universal, Sony EMI, Merlin Records and independent record labels have been announced; Over a thousand labels participating and eight million tracks live today.
· Announcement of Artists pages (called Hubs) at music.google.com/artists, which artists can set up for $25. Artists will be able to sell songs on YouTube against their music videos. Google talks about how artists like DJ Tiesto are already using the Artist Hubs.
· Google Music will also be launching with exclusive content from artists, The Rolling Stones, Busta Rhymes and Coldplay - “Music you won’t find anywhere else” is Google’s competitive advantage here.
(Source: http://techcrunch.com/2011/11/16/live-from-googles-music-related-special-la-event/)
There is a 1 hour+ video of the entire event; I haven’t watched it but if you’re keen to learn more, skip to the 29:30 mark to get to the good bit.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLPFI5YsIks&w=500&h=417]