Google Launches Streaming Music Service

Google recently announced plans to launch an on-demand streaming music service, described by the web giant as "uniquely Google." The announcement was made by Google's Android Engineering Director Chris Yerga. The platform, called All Access, debuted yesterday on Google Play with a price point of $9.99 per month for the subscription service. Google initially announced plans to jump into the digital music game after clearing licensing deals with Warner Music Group in March, followed by Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment over the past few months. Google's decision to jump into streaming music is welcomed by the industry, though their paid-only approach has faced early skepticism. Scott Ambrose of X5 Music addressed those concerns:

"Anytime a mainstream company decides to invest in digital music that is good for the entire industry," said Scott Ambrose Reilly, Chief Executive of X5 Music Group, a boutique label based in New York. "But seeing a mainstream advertising company like Google launch a paid only service does raise some eyebrows. Hope springs eternal and let's all hope this product lives up to the Google reputation for worldwide mass market appeal. If not at launch then hopefully in the very near future."

Despite doubts, it seems record companies are very eager to work with Google just for the sheer volume of people it attracts and what that could mean for potential revenue; Google's traffic would likely offer a bump in sales and a much bigger platform as the recording industry continues to rebuild and redefine itself.

Spotted at BB