Google Music Service Nears Launch: Report

If you recall, there's already a Google Music service in China, of a sorts. That was launched earlier this year, and allows users (in China only) to search and download music for free. This would definitely be different.

The reports indicate that the Google Music or Google Audio service would at least be available in the U.S. It is unclear, however, if the service would be streaming music or a downloading type service.

Other unanswered questions about any such Google Music service would include how much does the service cost, or is it free? What format is the music in and does it include DRM (probably MP3, and probably no)? The biggest question will be if Google can convince all of the big 4 music companies (Sony BMG, Warner Music Group, Universal, and EMI) to sign up.

As the launch of the Droid on Verizon, one has to wonder if there is any possibility of integration of Google Music into Android. That would be an exciting concept, and would rival iTunes integration on iPhone.

However, Amazon.com's MP3 store is the default for mobile music downloads on multiple Android phones. This may create a conflict. More details are bound to emerge.

Written by Michael Santo