Google Launches Music Service to Compete with Apple iTunes

Google has announced the launch of new scan-and-match music service. The new service is being launched as part of Google Music and is considered to function like Apple’s iTunes Match service. The new service will allow users to scan music and stream it from other compatible devices. Google will be providing this service for free unlike iTunes Match by Apple which is made available for users at a price tag of Rs 1,347. 

The company is also claiming functionalities such as matching, syncing and streaming for free to users using this service. Google’s blog stated that the new service will be launched on November 13. 

Google’s Blog post stated, “We will scan your music collection and any song we match against the Google Play Catalog will be automatically added to your online library without needing to upload it, saving you time.” Google has also announced the availability of the expanded Google Play Store by November 13 for countries such as UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain. The company has already started partnering with major companies such as Twentieth Century Fox and Warner Music Group for bringing more content including TV shows, movies and music on to the service. 

Google also announced the availability of new devices from its Nexus range in their official blog. The three new devices being introduced include Nexus 7 tablet, Nexus 10 and Nexus 4. A new version of Android OS, Android 4.2 which is still being called as Android Jelly Bean also has been introduced as per the official blog.

The new version of Android will bring improved features such as gesture typing and support for wireless display. Other key updates include integration of Google Now with Gmail. Google Now has added a new feature that helps in alerting users with flight and hotel recommendations in addition to nearby attractions and concert timings.