Google has bolted on what it calls a ‘radio service’ for its Google Play Music platform in the US, accompanied by advertising for those who don’t subscribe.
Like Pandora and Spotify, Google’s definition of radio is slightly loose, in that it simply means it will dish up a series of curated playlists with titles such as “Drop-a-Beat Workout,” “Poolside Chic” or “Songs To Raise Your Kids To”.
Equally, as with both its rival services, it will allow users to type in the name of an act/artist and receive a playlist of songs in a similar vein.
This, which for now is only a US launch, is a move to make the entire Google Play Music experience a 360 degree offering and will accompany a free cloud locker (for streaming the library that exits on the users computer) and the regular MP3 download store.
That is not to mention of course that this also gives Google more leverage in its competition with Apple, which at the end of this month will fully unveil the Apple Radio proposition.
Apple Radio service promises to be an entirely different affair after it poached the BBC Radio 1 team in London to head up what looks to be more of a traditional radio station. Whether or not it will be accompanied by adverts remains to be seen.
“We hope you’ll enjoy it so much that you’ll consider subscribing to Google Play Music to play without ads, take your music offline, create your own playlists, and listen to any of the 30 million songs in our library on any device and as much as you’d like,” said Google product manager Elias Roman in a blog post earlier this morning.
A worldwide roll out of the service will no doubt be dependent on radio and licensing arrangements Google can strike in each of the territories.
Territory restrictions prevent AdNews from seeing the first batch of advertisers.
Email Nicola at nicolariches@yaffa.com.au.