Google Music Beta
Google has an online music service called Google Music . The idea initially was that this would be an iTunes competitor with services somewhat similar to or competitive with iTunes.
Amazon once offered a service that allowed users to store 1,000 songs on its site server for free, and play them using a direct internet connection from the server site. But Google had a tough time obtaining a licenses from major labels.
Google’s music service is said to also include a system that functions much like a hard-drive controller. Users can listen to songs uploaded in streaming mode, but they can not download them.
Google’s Music service was initially available US users by request or invitation. now Music Beta is available free for a limited time when you request an invitation:
So, how does Google Music Beta work?
Music Manager is a program for Windows and Mac that adds user’s music. They can import iTunes ratings, music and playlists into it. The interface is minimal and seems compelling. Of course they stress downloading the Android app.
When you create a playlist it is instantly available across platforms. Now you can listen anywhere, even offline. All of your Google music is available in the cloud to all of your devices. The new music interface for the Honeycomb platform takes advantage of these syncing options.
Instant Mix is a feature that instantly creates a playlist based on your music selections. This is similar to Apple’s “Genius” feature in iTunes.
Recently played music is automatically cached by tablets and phones for offline play. This is in addition to a feature that allows you to manually download music for offline play.
One cool feature is one that when you get a new smartphone, just sign in to your Google account and all of your music is immediately available. (very cool)
You can add up to 20,000 songs to your library and if it’s still in in beta, it’s free.
Any Android device running version 2.2 or above can grab the new Music service on their device now. TMob G1 users are SOL
You can get to your personal music collection at home, at the office, or on the road. Listen from any web enabled device. Not online? No problem. The songs you’ve recently played will automatically be available offline. You can also select the specific albums, artists and playlists you want to have available when you’re not connected.
Upload your personal music collection from different computers and devices to a single library, you can even upload music files from your iTunes library and all of your playlists. And when you add new music to your computer, it can be automatically added to your music collection online. Now your entire collection, is can now exist in one place. Once your music is online, it’s always available. Playlists are automatically kept in sync.
Your personal D.J. & Mix Master
You can create your own custom playlists with a few clicks. Or you can use Instant Mix to automatically build new playlists of songs from your collection. All the playlists you create and all the changes you make are automatically available everywhere your music is.
Google Music app should be available from Android Market.
