Google to enter cloud music-streaming battle
Google in partnership with streaming pros Simplify Media, are to reveal their own take on music and cloud-based streaming, according to a briefing at the I/O conference in San Francisco.
Having recently purchased Simplify Media, Google will use the streaming firm’s expertise to set up a music purchasing service, where tracks bought online are automatically synced and streamed to Android devices, with the minimal amount of hassle for the user.
Taking it’s cues from the now-defunct Simplify iPhone app, the service will also allow users to stream the catalogue of mp3s they already own straight to their phones without the need for extra apps or wired connections to a PC.
As yet, it’s unclear how Google will acquire the licenses to sell major label artist’s music, be that through partnerships with the likes of Amazon, 7 Digital or otherwise. What was revealed however was Google’s open stance to a bit of competition, as a similar service called mSpot was also displayed.
mSpot will also allow users to stream their already-owned tracks to their Android mobile phones. Currently in a closed invite-only beta stage, the service will utilise cloud storage to store and stream the tracks.
Three different subscription options will be open to mSpot users in the US initially. A free service will allow 2GB of tracks to be cloud-stored and streamed, $2.99 a month will give users 10 gigabytes will $4.99 will allow 20GB of songs to stored and streamed. An unlimited service is also said to be in the works.
With Apple widely speculated to be entering the cloud-based music sphere, and with Spotify picking up steam all the time, Google are entering into a very crowded market with their music plans. The wireless ease of track transfers that Google seem to be offering sounds great, but will it be enough to pull people’s attention away from the competition?
