September 8, 2010 by Matt Thomas
Search engine giants Google have announced that they are planning to launch a new service for music fans by the end of December. The new service, to be launched in time for Christmas this year, is set to become a rival to Apple’s iTunes music download product. According to a report by Reuters news agency, Google have been in discussion with key record labels about the launch of the new service, in order to offer an innovative music download product.
According to the report, the vice president of engineering for Google (Andy Rubin) has been having conversations with a number of players across the music industry. Rubin has previously been instrumental in launching Google’s Android mobile operating system. The new service for Google fans will feature a music download store to rival iTunes, and a digital music storage system (‘locker’), which stores people’s music choices online in order for it to be accessed by any internet-enabled gadget.
In May, Google commented about their impending service, at a California developers’ event. They have stated that the new service will be closely linked to their Android operating system, and is likely to be released to coincide with the launch of the next software release for Android (2.2). the new plans will add extra pressure to the ongoing rivalry between Apple and Google, who are now competing in a number of different service sectors including advertising, mobile and desktop operating systems.
A record industry executive has commented: “Finally, here’s an entity with the reach, resources and wherewithal to take on iTunes as a formidable competitor by tying it into search and Android mobile platform. What you’ll have is a very powerful player in the market that’s good for the music business.”
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