BackGoogle launches free music streaming service ahead of Apple launch
Google ups the ante against Apple by launching a free version of its music streaming service Play Music
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Google Inc. launched a free version of its music streaming service Play Music on Wednesday. The move couldn’t have been timed better, coming as it does just before the release of Apple Music’s service on 30 June, the first three months of which are free.
In a direct dig at Apple, Google clarified that while the service will be free to users, it will be paying artists. This is in reference to the recent criticism Apple has drawn from artist Taylor Swift and others for originally opting not to pay independent artists for its three-month free trial period for consumers.
Interestingly, Google Play Music already has a subscription-based service, where users pay $10 monthly to listen to an unlimited amount of tracks. The free version will be supported by advertising, and will offer curated playlists based on genre, mood, decade or activity.
In a blog post, Google product manager Elias Roman said: “Even if you’re not already a Google Play Music subscriber, we’ve got you covered. Google Play Music now has a free, ad-supported version in the US, giving you a new way to find just the right music - and giving artists another way to earn revenue."
In the new version, while you can listen for free, you won’t be able to rewind, customize playlists or even see what’s coming next, unlike paid subscribers who have full control over playlists and can edit, rename, and save them for offline playback.
What does this mean for rival Apple that launched its music service at the Apple Worldwide Developers’ Conference held earlier this month? In addition to an on-demand subscription service, Apple Music includes a free radio station called Beats One that features live DJs such as Zane Lowe, formerly of the BBC, 24/7 broadcasts and personalized playlists, all free for the first three months. Google’s free service seems to pale in comparison,
But the Internet giant is not worried. According to Roman, if you don’t mind ads, Google Music could be a great soundtrack for the gym or your commute to work. And ultimately, he hopes it will be enough to convince people to start paying.
With competition intensifying in the music streaming space, it’s anybody’s guess who will win the game. For the consumer, it definitely means more choice. With both Google and Apple offering fantastic free music, whom will you pick?
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