How Google just played its trump card against Spotify, Pandora and other Music services?

Nov 17, 2011 by Anurag Bansal    2 Comments    Posted under: Android, Apple, Reviews, Web & Social

Based on today’s Google Music Live Event which I live-blogged, below are the things you would like to know about Google Music.  First and foremost, Google Music is now open for everyone in US which was earlier invite only Beta (which I was fortunate enough to get access to.)  Other major highlights of the all new Google Music are mentioned below:

1. Starting today, users can discover, purchase and share songs in Google Music store using Web, Android Phone and Tablet using Android Market.
2. Users can store up to 20,000 personal songs in the online library.  That can be accessed and played back from any internet enabled device.
3. Google Music app for Android has been updated to allow some of the new features.  And they are being rolled out slowly to all users.  (I already got the update, so seems like it is being rolled out really fast.)  Let me tell you this, the latest Music app gives a feel of Ice Cream Sandwich.
4. The Music store on Android devices will be rolled out soon to all users as well.
5. Rolling Stone, Shakira, Pearl Jam and many other artists tracks will be exclusively available on Google Music.
6. After purchasing the music in Android Market, it can immediately be shared with the friends in Google+.  Best of all, all the music purchased can be played/shared for FREE in its entirety on Google+.  The people in your circle will be able to play the track and even the entire album (if you shared that) for FREE.
7. Google Music Artists Hub helps new artists promote and sell music.  New Artists can create a profile page.  Their albums and biography will be available on that page.  When user searches for a particular artists, they land on the artists page and get access to all their albums and music.
8. Artists keep 70% of the revenue.  They can change the pricing and have control on how they distribute music in the Music Store.

Check out Google Music NOW.

Now taking a look back at Spotify, Pandora and all other music services out there, it is going to be a real challenge to compete against Google.  At the same time all these other services charge at least $4.99 to fully utilize the service potential and if you want to access your library on mobile phones you need a subscription of $9.99.

Who in the world is going to pay for that subscription on Spotify and Pandora when Google Music is free for all – UNLIMITED. You just pay to purchase songs if you want.  There is no fees to listen to songs in your library already.  I won’t pay for Spotify or Pandora, because…in a single sentence.

I USE ANDROID and I LOVE IT.

What are your views about it?  Did you want anything else from an online Music service?  Or are you happy and look forward to Google Music as your choice of Music service.  Let me know in comments.

Got anything to say? Go ahead and leave a comment!