Word had it that Google was planning to
launch a subscription music service for
YouTube this past summer, but the summer
came and went and no such service surfaced.
Now, rumors are flying that the service could
be launching before year's end.
The possible music service will sound a lot
like Spotify but will also come with videos,
according to Billboard. And, like Pandora, it's
said to have both a free version and a paid
premium version that will give users
unlimited access to albums and artists.
Those with the unlimited access are also said
to get ad-free music, as well as offline
storage.
Billboard reports the service is expected to
cost consumers about $10 per month and be
compatible with many of Google's other
products and services, such as Google Glass.
Google has reportedly closed all the deals
necessary to get the service going, according
to Billboard. In March, the company was said
to have made a deal with Warner Music
Group that gives Google rights for two
services it's said to be working on -- one
that's part of Google's Android music
platform, Google Play, and the other for
YouTube.
This is just one step for Google, as it tries to
go to battle with streaming services like
Spotify and turn YouTube into a more
powerful and lucrative music service.
YouTube, which has 1 billion unique monthly
users , is already the largest music service in
existence, and for now it only makes money
via ads. Throw in a subscription mobile
offering and it could be a game changer for
music streaming .
While Google hasn't yet announced its plans,
a company spokesperson did tell us that
"We're always working on new and better
ways for people to enjoy YouTube content
across all screens, and on giving partners
more opportunities to reach their fans."
Source: CNET
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