Google’s subscription based music service, called Play Music All Access, has officially launched in the Google Play store, after this mornings announcement at the Google I/O 2013 conference. Here’s what you need to know.
1. You’ll Be Able To Stream Songs
Obviously, the purpose of this new Google service is so that users can have easy access to “millions” of songs. Chris Yerga, engineering director for Android products, said, “This is radio without rules…It’s as lean back as you want to as or as interactive as you want it to be.” In addition, uses can create personalized radio stations and discover music based on preferences, Google exec’s said at the keynote address earlier today.
2. A Google Music Service Has Been In The Works For Awhile
A Google music service similar to Spotify has been rumored for awhile. Even though there are very well-made products that offer similar services, tech giants like Google and Apple still think that they can bring another element to the up-and-coming market. Based on the demo during Google I/O earlier today, it’s safe to say that Google made another spectacular product. The user interface is gorgeous and simple to use for almost any smartphone user (no word on when we can expect it for iOS).
3. It’s Only Available in the US Right Now
All Access will work for smartphones, tablets, and desktops, which is just another example of Google using the conference to show how much they want to emphasize a cohesiveness between products and devices. The product launches tomorrow…but only in the US. No word on when it’ll be available for other countries.
4. It’s Actually Not That Expensive
Similar to the prices schemes of Spotify and other streaming music services, Google Play Music All Access will cost only $9.99 per month. But, if you sign up before June 30th, the price drops down to $7.99.
5. This Screws Over Spotify, Pandora, and Rdio
Let the games begin: tech journalist have been hypothesizing that major tech companies like Google and Apple will be releasing rivaling streaming music services after taking note of the growth of Spotify, Pandora, and Rdio. Spotify has 24 million active users, but only six million paying subscribers. Pandora has 200 million registerd users, and users can upgrade to Pandora One for only $36 a year. With two extremely successful companies dominating the market, can Google crack through and become a market leader? Well, they managed to take Android to unprecedented heights, so I wouldn’t bet against them.