Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Google Music users granted de-authentication reprieve as company retools activation system]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/16/google-music-users-granted-de-authentication-reprieve/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/16/google-music-users-granted-de-authentication-reprieve/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/16/google-music-users-granted-de-authentication-reprieve/#comments Google Music users granted de-authentication reprieve as company retools activation system

Google Music users learned of a frightful new policy this morning that dictates a user may de-authorize only four devices in a year, out of ten total activations. While the policy is likely to go unnoticed by the majority of consumers, it instantly created a great pain for those who regularly flash ROMs to their phones and tablets. It seems the road to de-authorization hell is paved with good intentions, however, as Google has since responded to critics with the revelation that it'll introduce an activation system that accounts for such nuances.

We've determined through our own experimentation that Google has temporarily suspended the de-authorization limit of four devices, and while it's difficult to know how long this reprieve will last, we're hopeful that it'll remain in effect until Google implements this new system to recognize duplicate authorizations. Additionally, we've learned through our conversations with the company that users may, in fact, sign in to their Google Music account from any number of devices, and it's only when a tune is deliberately streamed that your smartphone or tablet will be added to the list of ten.

What's more, while the company was rather insistent that songs couldn't be streamed to multiple devices at the same time, it seems that Google's system of checks and balances is spotty at best -- we were able to simultaneously stream tunes to three devices without so much as a hiccup. Yes, the system eventually shook its finger at us, but it serves as a nice reminder to have fun while the insanity lasts.

Google Music users granted de-authentication reprieve as company retools activation system originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2012 22:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>authorizationcustom RomCustomRomde-authorizationgooglegoogle musicGoogleMusiclimitmobilepostcrossromrootrooterrootinguser limitUserLimitWed, 16 May 2012 22:16:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Google Music allows four device de-authorizations per year, rooters beware]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/16/google-music-authorization-limit-rooters/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/16/google-music-authorization-limit-rooters/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/16/google-music-authorization-limit-rooters/#comments PSA: Google Music allows four device de-authorizations per year, rooters beware

Just when you thought you could go on rooting and switching ROMs with impunity, it turns out you can't -- at least, not if you want to continue enjoying your Google Music account. Watchful eyes at XDA Developers have discovered a snag in Google's authorization system, which means that not only is there an upper limit of ten devices that can be authorized simultaneously, but there's also a limit of four de-authorizations per year. Since every time you flash your phone or tablet counts as a new authorization, and since your other devices probably hog a few tickets already, rooters will quickly hit the ten-device limit, at which point they're going to have to think long and hard about their de-auth strategy. Is that a ration of one flash per quarter? But then what happens if you buy a new device in a few months' time? Oh, this is too much.

[Thanks, Aman]

PSA: Google Music allows four device de-authorizations per year, rooters beware originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2012 07:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>authorizationcustom RomCustomRomde-authorizationgooglegoogle musicGoogleMusiclimitmobilepostcrossromrootrooterrootinguser limitUserLimitWed, 16 May 2012 07:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Play adds shared song playlist to Music, helps you relive your friends' terrible taste in tunes]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/04/google-play-adds-shared-song-playlist-to-music-helps-you-relive/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/04/google-play-adds-shared-song-playlist-to-music-helps-you-relive/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/04/google-play-adds-shared-song-playlist-to-music-helps-you-relive/#comments Image

Remember that funky beat your buddy at work shared with you over Google+? Don't bother digging through their post history, Mountain View's music service has you covered with its new "Shared with me" auto-playlist. This self-maintaining list keeps track of all the songs friends and colleagues send your way, making it easy to hunt down a catchy tune your brother sent you, or to endlessly ridicule a coworker's awful sense of sound. The playlist not only shows the track, artist, duration and price, but also a preview of the Google+ post (and a thumbnail of its author) that you scored the shared song from in the first place. Looking for lost music? Just take a look at your auto-playlists.

Google Play adds shared song playlist to Music, helps you relive your friends' terrible taste in tunes originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 May 2012 02:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto playlistsAutoPlaylistsEntertainmentgoogle musicgoogle playgoogle playlistsgoogle plusgoogle plus musicgoogle plus sharingGoogle+GoogleMusicGooglePlayGooglePlaylistsGooglePlusGooglePlusMusicGooglePlusSharingminipostmusicmusic sharingMusicSharingplaylistplaylistsSci/TechsharingFri, 04 May 2012 02:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Play Music switches on labs features: HTML5 player, star ratings and notifications]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/09/google-play-music-labs-html5-notifications-ratings/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/09/google-play-music-labs-html5-notifications-ratings/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/09/google-play-music-labs-html5-notifications-ratings/#comments Google Play Music switches on labs features: HTML5 player, star ratings and notificationsWe're so used to Google Labs features on commonly used services like mail and maps that we often forget they're technically experimental and now Music has a few of its own. The new features available on the desktop version of its web player include toggles for an HTML5 player (there was already a mobile version for iOS) instead of Flash, Gmail-style desktop notifications (Chrome only) and the ability to rate music on a five star scale instead of just thumbs up or thumbs down. There's been a steady of stream of updates to the Music arm of Google Play since it was first announced last May, now that the velvet invite rope has been lifted has it become a part of your daily soundtrack?

Google Play Music switches on labs features: HTML5 player, star ratings and notifications originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 23:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserchromedesktogooglegoogle labsgoogle musicgoogle playgoogle play musicGoogleLabsGoogleMusicGooglePlayGooglePlayMusichtml5labsnotificationsratingsMon, 09 Apr 2012 23:12:00 EST<![CDATA[DoubleTwist adds Google Music support, gets an alarm clock app]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/30/doubletwist-adds-google-music-support-gets-an-alarm-clock-app/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/30/doubletwist-adds-google-music-support-gets-an-alarm-clock-app/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/30/doubletwist-adds-google-music-support-gets-an-alarm-clock-app/#comments DoubleTwist Alarm ClockDoubleTwist is certainly still one of the better music management options for Android, and it just keeps improving. Two days ago the player app got an update and now it can hook into Google Music, though, it only recognizes songs that you've checked for offline access from within the Google app. An unfortunate restriction, but at least your tracks don't disappear into the ether if you prefer to play back your tunes via DoubleTwist. There's also new functionality coming to what is now less an app than an ecosystem, thanks to the just released DoubleTwist Alarm Clock. The functionality is pretty much what you'd expect -- set a time and pick a song from your DoubleTwist library to gently rouse you from your slumber (or kick your butt out of bed). The Alarm Clock is just $0.99 in the Play Market right now for the first 10,000 customers. After that it'll go up to $1.99. So don't waste any time, go download it now.

Gallery: DoubleTwist Alarm Clock

DoubleTwist adds Google Music support, gets an alarm clock app originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alarm clockAlarmClockandroidAppappsdoubletwistdoubletwist alarm clockDoubletwistAlarmClockgoogle musicGoogleMusicmobilepostcrossFri, 30 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Play replaces Android Market, new source for apps, books, movies and music (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/06/google-play-replaces-android-market/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/06/google-play-replaces-android-market/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/06/google-play-replaces-android-market/#comments Google Play replaces Android Market, your new source for apps, books, movies and musicThe Android Market has morphed significantly since its inception, which now allows users to purchase books, music and rent movies, all from within a hub that was originally designed for just apps. To recognize this fundamental shift -- and emphasize the availability of content for sale -- Google is launching a new platform known as Google Play. The move hints at a strategy shift from just Android to the cloud as a whole, and establishes an umbrella brand for the diverse content sold by Google. For example, its Books, Music and Videos apps will now become Play Books, Play Music and Play Movies, while the Android Market itself will take on the moniker of Play Store. Users of Android 2.2 (and above) should notice the software update within the next few days, although other than the new name, initial changes should be minimal. We're also to be on the lookout for a new "Play" tab within the top toolbar of Google's website. To mark the occasion, the company has announced a promotional "Seven Days to Play" sale, which will tease would-be shoppers with discounted apps, books, movies and music throughout the week. For an additional peek at what's in store, you'll find the gallery below and a video after the break.

Gallery: Introducing Google Play

Continue reading Google Play replaces Android Market, new source for apps, books, movies and music (video)

Google Play replaces Android Market, new source for apps, books, movies and music (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid marketAndroidMarketappappsbookbooksebookebooksgooglegoogle booksgoogle moviesgoogle musicgoogle playgoogle play booksgoogle play moviesgoogle play musicgoogle play storeGoogleBooksGoogleMoviesGoogleMusicGooglePlayGooglePlayBooksGooglePlayMoviesGooglePlayMusicGooglePlayStorehdpostcrossmobilepostcrossmoviesmusicplayplay booksplay moviesplay musicPlayBooksPlayMoviesPlayMusicTue, 06 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows Phone gets Gooroovster: streams Google Music whether it's official or not]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/18/windows-phone-gets-gooroovster-streams-google-music-whether-it/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/18/windows-phone-gets-gooroovster-streams-google-music-whether-it/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/18/windows-phone-gets-gooroovster-streams-google-music-whether-it/#comments
Not a Spotify fan? Then perhaps a Google Music client will suit your tastes a little better. Gooroovster has just shed its beta cocoon to reveal its new Windows Phone wings. Available on trial, the full app will set you back $3.99 and offers streaming access to your whole library, the usual collection of music player controls and the ability to refresh the 500 most recent additions to your library. Unfortunately, there doesn't appear to be any caching options -- so it's largely a Windows Phone-skinned copy of the web-based player, although it doesn't look all that official and you'll also need a Windows Phone device running the Mango upgrade. The typical Google Music provisos apply: check your data allowances and if you're out of US, you're (still) out of luck. That is, unless you know how to beat the system.

Windows Phone gets Gooroovster: streams Google Music whether it's official or not originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 18 Feb 2012 04:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appGooglegoogle musicgoogle music appGoogleMusicGoogleMusicAppGooroovstermobilepostministreamingwindows phonewindows phone 7.5WindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7.5Sat, 18 Feb 2012 04:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Music now lets you download your entire library]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/27/google-music-now-lets-you-download-your-entire-library/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/27/google-music-now-lets-you-download-your-entire-library/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/27/google-music-now-lets-you-download-your-entire-library/#comments Google Music now lets you download your entire libraryComputer meltdown? No backup? Well, at least your tunes are safe. Google Music just gained a new feature that lets you to download your entire library including purchased songs. A simple click in the Music Manager is all it takes to restore your entire collection -- or just your purchased music -- from the cloud. In addition, the web interface now allows you to select and copy multiple tracks to your device of choice. While there are no limitations when using the Music Manager, purchased items are restricted to two downloads each via the web interface. So next time your system crashes go right ahead -- rev up that broadband and fill up those hard drives.

Google Music now lets you download your entire library originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Androidbackupcloudcloud storageCloudStoragedownloadGoogleGoogle MusicGoogleMusicmobilepostcrossmusicmusic downloadmusic serviceMusicDownloadMusicServicenew featuresNewFeaturesFri, 27 Jan 2012 07:27:00 EST<![CDATA[How-to: use Google Music from anywhere (yes, outside of the United States)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/19/how-to-use-google-music-from-anywhere-yes-outside-of-the-unit/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/19/how-to-use-google-music-from-anywhere-yes-outside-of-the-unit/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/19/how-to-use-google-music-from-anywhere-yes-outside-of-the-unit/#comments Now that Google Music has finally clawed its way out of the realm of beta-ware, anybody in the US can sign up to play without an invitation. Of course, that leaves many folks out of the equation, so we thought it a good time to point out at least one other route to let you get involved in the service, no matter where you live. See, the rub seems to be that Google checks your IP address on your first attempt to log in, and accept its terms of use -- only the first time, and yeah, you're definitely going to be ignoring that doc by following this guide.

So, in essence all we need to do is find a way to gently tiptoe past that gatekeeper and we're home free. Keep in mind that while you can upload your music, buying new tracks isn't going to happen until it rolls out in your neck of the woods in a more official way -- but hey, most of a good thing is still a good thing. There are various means to get this done, and we've found a pretty straightforward route, and if you're up to it click on through to the guide.

Continue reading How-to: use Google Music from anywhere (yes, outside of the United States)

How-to: use Google Music from anywhere (yes, outside of the United States) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 19 Nov 2011 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcanadaglobalgooglegoogle musicgoogle music canadagoogle music europegoogle music hackGoogleMusicGoogleMusicCanadaGoogleMusicEuropeGoogleMusicHackhackhow tohow-tohowtointernationalmobilepostcrossmusicproxyususavideoworkaroundSat, 19 Nov 2011 17:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Google rolling out music purchases to some Android phones, Music app to Google TV]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/17/google-rolling-out-music-purchases-to-some-android-phones-music/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/17/google-rolling-out-music-purchases-to-some-android-phones-music/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/17/google-rolling-out-music-purchases-to-some-android-phones-music/#comments Just as Google promised, the Android Market is now slinging the tunes on select devices. Our OG Incredible's already received the update and we've received multiple reports from folks rocking HTC's EVO 3D. Just to give it a spin, we downloaded Busta Rhymes' Why Stop Now -- one of many exclusive free tracks -- and in seconds it popped up in our Google Music app. We've also received word that the Google Music app is now available for Google TV, allowing you to stream your music from the cloud. If you've been granted the ability to download your favorite tunes from the Android market, hit us up in the comments below and tell us what phone you're hollering into.

Google rolling out music purchases to some Android phones, Music app to Google TV originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 21:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid marketAndroidMarketappsgooglegoogle musicgoogle music appgoogle tvGoogleMusicGoogleMusicAppGoogleTvhdpostcrossmobilepostcrossmusicmusic purchasesMusicPurchasesThu, 17 Nov 2011 21:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on with Google Music MP3 store for web and the new Music app]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/hands-on-with-google-music-mp3-store-for-web-and-the-new-music-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/hands-on-with-google-music-mp3-store-for-web-and-the-new-music-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/hands-on-with-google-music-mp3-store-for-web-and-the-new-music-a/#comments By now, most of us are familiar with Google Music, but as Mountain View just outed its new tunes purchasing platform, we had to try it out for ourselves. It's a painless process, particularly for those who have used the Android Market and already have a credit card in Google's system. To grab songs or albums through the new service, you simply go to the Google Music page and click on the "Shop" link in the upper right hand corner. That'll bring you to the music section of the Android Market, where you're then able to purchase individual songs or entire albums to find your personal sonic bliss. Pricing's pretty much identical to what you've seen elsewhere: songs are either 99 cents or $1.29, and albums are around ten bucks. Once you've made a selection, you'll be prompted to log into the Market if you haven't already to complete your purchase. After doing so, it also asks if you'd like to share your new tunes on Google+, and lets you choose who gets to see (and listen to) the musical post on your profile. Easy peasy.

Shortly after buying the album, it showed up in the Google Music app on our Android device and we were listening to Jay-Z's lyrical stylings in no time. While doing so, we poked around the updated app and found a few new features in the update. The UI has been tweaked slightly, as you can now scroll horizontally through the categories up top, which makes sifting through your library by title, artist or genre easier than ever. Users can also create instant mixes from playing songs and the player itself has gotten some sprucing in the looks department. Unfortunately, the Market app doesn't enable music purchases on phones just yet, but Google said it's in the pipeline, and we'll be letting you know all about it when it arrives. Until then, let us know how Big G's new music store is treating you in the comments below.

Gallery: Google Music hands-on

Hands-on with Google Music MP3 store for web and the new Music app originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 21:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital musicDigitalMusicgooglegoogle musicgoogle plusGoogle walletGoogleMusicGooglePlusGoogleWallethands-onmp3mp3smusicWed, 16 Nov 2011 21:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Music available on T-Mobile devices, track purchases can be direct billed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/google-music-available-on-t-mobile-devices-track-purchases-can/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/google-music-available-on-t-mobile-devices-track-purchases-can/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/google-music-available-on-t-mobile-devices-track-purchases-can/#comments
T-Mobile just announced at Google's "These Go To Eleven" event that it will enable tracks purchased through Google Music to be direct billed to its subscribers. Exclusive content will also be available for T-Mobile customers for free -- you'll be able to grab tracks from Drake, Maroon 5, Busta Rhymes and other artists to be announced later. When asked when this will be ready for primetime, we were told that no ETA has been set so far, so it sounds like there's still a few ducks that aren't in a row quite just yet. T-Mo seems pretty confident that its network will be able to handle the massive explosion of data usage that will likely follow -- a pretty impressive feat, given the carrier's proclamation that 75 percent of its phones are smartphones, and 90 percent of those run Android -- and we're confident that we want to take advantage of that capacity to our best abilities.

Google Music available on T-Mobile devices, track purchases can be direct billed originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbreaking newsgoogle musicGoogleMusicmarketmobilepostcrossmusict-mobileWed, 16 Nov 2011 17:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Music Artist Hub helps musicians promote, sell music (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/google-music-artist-hub-helps-musicians-promote-sell-music/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/google-music-artist-hub-helps-musicians-promote-sell-music/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/google-music-artist-hub-helps-musicians-promote-sell-music/#comments
Thought Google Music was just for artists signed to the big three or one of 23 indie labels? Turns out the company's extending a hand to unsigned artists as well with Google Music Artist Hub. The DIY-like software allows virtually anyone to sell and price their music on Mountain View's storefront. Musicians selling tunes through the service will keep 70 percent of their set list price, forfeiting the other 30 to the Android giant. Those taking the plunge will be privy to the same 90 second song previews as their label-backed brethren, as-well as the ability to have them shared for one free play on Google+. Ready to begin? Your ascent to superstardom awaits you beyond that source link.

Continue reading Google Music Artist Hub helps musicians promote, sell music (video)

Google Music Artist Hub helps musicians promote, sell music (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artist hubArtistHubgooglegoogle androidgoogle musicgoogle music artist hubGoogleAndroidGoogleMusicGoogleMusicArtistHubindie musicIndieMusicselling musicSellingMusicvideoWed, 16 Nov 2011 17:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Google partners with Universal, EMI, Sony Music, 23 independent labels on Google Music, scores exclusive content]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/google-partners-with-universal-emi-sony-music-23-independent/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/google-partners-with-universal-emi-sony-music-23-independent/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/google-partners-with-universal-emi-sony-music-23-independent/#comments
A music store isn't much without plenty of music, and Google's new offering launched with some big backing today. The company is partnering with Universal, EMI, Sony Music and no less than 23 independent labels on the service -- according to Google, that covers about 13 million songs in total, 8 million of which are available today. Speaking at the launch event, Universal's Rob Wells said that he expects Google Music to be a "rich new revenue stream for our artists," and further noted that he's excited about the "global rollout" across all Android devices, although we're unfortunately not hearing many specifics about availability outside the US just yet. What's more, Google also announced that Google Music will have a number of exclusive offerings from the labels, including concerts from the likes of The Rolling Stones, Coldplay, Pearl Jam and The Dave Matthews Band, and the exclusive debut of Busta Rhymes' latest album.

Continue reading Google partners with Universal, EMI, Sony Music, 23 independent labels on Google Music, scores exclusive content

Google partners with Universal, EMI, Sony Music, 23 independent labels on Google Music, scores exclusive content originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EMIgooglegoogle musicGoogleMusiclabellabelsmusicmusic downloadsmusic labelsmusic storeMusicDownloadsMusicLabelsMusicStorerecord labelsRecordLabelssonysony musicSonyMusicuniversalWed, 16 Nov 2011 17:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Music drops beta, MP3 store and Google+ integration along for the ride (updated)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/google-music-drops-beta-mp3-store-along-for-the-ride/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/google-music-drops-beta-mp3-store-along-for-the-ride/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/google-music-drops-beta-mp3-store-along-for-the-ride/#comments Been dutifully uploading music to Mountain View's cloud since Google I/O? Might want hit pause for just a sec, while you tune to Google's beat here in Los Angeles, as it's just gone and launched its own music store integrated with Android Market. Best part is, the service still free, though you can now purchase millions of songs from the store to expand your collection of tunes. 90-second track previews are available, and all songs are high quality 320kbps MP3s. And for those with an aversion to waiting, which should be all of you, uploads can now be nixed entirely, provided tracks in your possession jive with Google's master copies. The company is now on equal footing with Cupertino and Amazon's music offerings, who both offer direct sales coupled with a cloud component that allows for unlimited redownloads. Yet it more closely resembles the latter, as unlike the former there isn't a $25 yearly free as all tracks can be streamed for free.

Naturally, a new version of the Google Music app is already available in the Android Market, and a fresh look for Music Manager will follow in the next few hours. Unsurprisingly, Google Music sans beta brings tight integration with Google +. You can now share songs on your friend stream, and not just samples, either -- your buddies can listen to full tracks or albums one time through without ever leaving your profile.

Update: There is no matching function to the new Google Music, so uploads are still a part of the equation, though the service does sync your songs across devices once you've sent them to the cloud.

Continue reading Google Music drops beta, MP3 store and Google+ integration along for the ride (updated)

Google Music drops beta, MP3 store and Google+ integration along for the ride (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid marketAndroidMarketcloudgooglegoogle musicgoogle plusGoogleMusicGooglePlusmobilepostcrossMP3music storeMusicStorestorestreamingvideoWed, 16 Nov 2011 17:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Google's Android 'These Go To Eleven' liveblog from Los Angeles!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/googles-android-these-go-to-eleven-liveblog-from-los-angeles/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/googles-android-these-go-to-eleven-liveblog-from-los-angeles/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/googles-android-these-go-to-eleven-liveblog-from-los-angeles/#comments This is it! You've arrived! But it's a little early. Fret not, though, as you can bookmark this very page and return at the time shown below in order to join in on the liveblogging mayhem. We'll be bringing you every last point as it's unveiled in Los Angeles this evening (or afternoon, whatever), with Google Music firmly in our heart and T-Mobile looming over everything. It's going to be loony.

Gallery: Google These Go to Eleven event



November 16, 2011 5:00:00 PM EST

Continue reading Google's Android 'These Go To Eleven' liveblog from Los Angeles!

Google's Android 'These Go To Eleven' liveblog from Los Angeles! originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>android 3.0android 4.0Android3.0Android4.0galaxy nexusGalaxyNexusgooglegoogle androidgoogle musicgoogle music betaGoogleAndroidGoogleMusicGoogleMusicBetahoneycombice cream sandwichIceCreamSandwichkeynoteliveblogLos AngelesLosAngelesmusict-mobileWed, 16 Nov 2011 16:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Google's 'These Go To Eleven' Android event starts at 5PM ET, get your liveblog here!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/googles-these-go-to-eleven-android-event-starts-at-5pm-et-ge/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/googles-these-go-to-eleven-android-event-starts-at-5pm-et-ge/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/googles-these-go-to-eleven-android-event-starts-at-5pm-et-ge/#comments It's just about that time, kids. And by "that time," we mean "time for Google to pull some kind of LA-themed rabbit out of an LA-based hat." The Mountain View monster has rolled down I-5 today in order to throw a "These Go To Eleven" event, presumably in conjunction with T-Mobile. What's on the docket? A Google Music that actually sells stuff? A Galaxy Nexus for T-Mobile? A Google Music store that only runs on T-Mobile's Galaxy Nexus while positioned in the greater Los Angeles area? Feel free to let your imagination run (a little) wild in comments below, and check back right here at the time listed below (2PM local time, for the Californicators) for our blow-by-blow liveblog coverage.

Wed Nov 16 05:00:00 PM EST 2011

Google's 'These Go To Eleven' Android event starts at 5PM ET, get your liveblog here! originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 10:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 3.0android 4.0Android3.0Android4.0googlegoogle androidgoogle musicgoogle music betaGoogleAndroidGoogleMusicGoogleMusicBetahoneycombliveblogmobilepostcrosst-mobileWed, 16 Nov 2011 10:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Universal reportedly close to Google music deal, just in time for tomorrow's events]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/15/universal-reportedly-close-to-google-music-deal-just-in-time-fo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/15/universal-reportedly-close-to-google-music-deal-just-in-time-fo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/15/universal-reportedly-close-to-google-music-deal-just-in-time-fo/#comments We've got a couple of music-related Google events coming up tomorrow. There's the one with Busta Rhymes and Drake and, of course, the one with the miniature Stonehenge. Aside from the aforementioned entertainment, what can we expect? Rumors are pointing to a proper Google Music launch, including the opening up of a music store -- one apparently backed by the labels this time around. EMI is reportedly on board, and according to sources at Bloomberg, Universal isn't too far behind either. Google, naturally, isn't talking.

Update: According to the Wall Street Journal, Sony is expected to be on the guest list as well -- only a few more hours until we know for sure.

Universal reportedly close to Google music deal, just in time for tomorrow's events originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 08:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloudcloud musicCloudMusicdealdealsgooglegoogle musicGoogleMusiclicensingmusic dealMusicDealuniversal music groupUniversalMusicGroupTue, 15 Nov 2011 08:41:00 EST<![CDATA[T-Mo invites us to 'Experience the World of T-Mobile & Google' with Busta Rhymes as our guide]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/t-mo-invites-us-to-experience-the-world-of-t-mobile-and-google-w/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/t-mo-invites-us-to-experience-the-world-of-t-mobile-and-google-w/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/t-mo-invites-us-to-experience-the-world-of-t-mobile-and-google-w/#comments We're still having fun coming up with reasons why Google decided to have its next "special event" in Los Angeles -- popular choices include "easy access to geothermal power" and "trying to help LA fall into the sea, already" -- but now things are looking a little more clear. A star-studded event happening later that night has been announced, hosted by T-Mobile and featuring Drake, Maroon 5, Busta Rhymes, Dirty South and R3hab. That's nice, but we're more curious about what kind of hardware we'll be seeing. Could this be why Verizon backed down from its "exclusive" stance on the Galaxy Nexus? Does the big boombox up on the billboard mean Google Music will be getting a proper launch, or just that Busta will be rocking it old school? We'll see on Wednesday night.

T-Mo invites us to 'Experience the World of T-Mobile & Google' with Busta Rhymes as our guide originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>busta rhymesBustaRhymesdrakeeventgalaxy nexusGalaxyNexusgoogle musicGoogleMusiclalos angelesLosAngelesmobilepostcrosssamsungt-mobt-mobileMon, 14 Nov 2011 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Google announces Android 'special event' for November 16th in Los Angeles]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/11/google-announces-android-special-event-for-november-16th-in-lo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/11/google-announces-android-special-event-for-november-16th-in-lo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/11/google-announces-android-special-event-for-november-16th-in-lo/#comments We just got word from Google of an Android-themed event next week, with little more than the words "These Go to Eleven" right up top -- a reference to a phrase from the 1984 mockumentary This is Spinal Tap. To top things off, the email came from "Nigel Tufnel," Christopher Guest's character from the film. The event kicks off in Los Angeles at 2PM local time (that's 5PM for you folks on the East Coast) on Wednesday, November 16th. We'll be there live, and so will you -- catch the livestream at YouTube.com/Android. There are a few more subtle hints in the invite teaser image, so jump past the break to see if you can pick them out.

Continue reading Google announces Android 'special event' for November 16th in Los Angeles

Google announces Android 'special event' for November 16th in Los Angeles originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidchristopher guestChristopherGuesteventeventsgooglegoogle musicGoogleMusicinvitationinvitationslaunch eventLaunchEventlos angelesLosAngelesmobilepostcrossNigel TufnelNigelTufnelspinal tapSpinalTapThese Go to ElevenTheseGoToEleventhis is spinal tapThisIsSpinalTapFri, 11 Nov 2011 15:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Music mobile landing page hints tunes are coming to the Android Market]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/27/google-music-mobile-landing-page-hints-tunes-are-coming-to-the-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/27/google-music-mobile-landing-page-hints-tunes-are-coming-to-the-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/27/google-music-mobile-landing-page-hints-tunes-are-coming-to-the-a/#comments Google Music Store? Sadly, we weren't able to replicate the screenshot above but, if it's legit, it could mean that a Google Music store is right around the corner. Reports are coming in that visiting music.google.com on your Android phone brings up a page suggesting you, A, upload your personal music collection, and B, "shop millions of songs in the Android Market." Clearly Google is tinkering away behind the scenes: the links on the earliest versions of the splash page were reported to be broken, then they led to the about page for Google Music Manager and the nonexistent market.android.com/music respectively. Now, all traces of it are gone. Add to this the familiar shopping bag-shaped music icon that popped up in the developer build of Chrome OS last week and it's looking like we're inching ever closer to a Google Music shop launch. Check out the full sized image after the break.

[Thanks, Tomer]

Continue reading Google Music mobile landing page hints tunes are coming to the Android Market

Google Music mobile landing page hints tunes are coming to the Android Market originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid marketAndroidMarketgooglegoogle androidgoogle musicgoogle music shopgoogle music storeGoogleAndroidGoogleMusicGoogleMusicShopGoogleMusicStoreleakmobilepostcrossmusic at android marketMusicAtAndroidMarketThu, 27 Oct 2011 08:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Google's 'very close' to launching a digital download store with 'a little twist']]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/19/googles-very-close-to-launching-a-digital-download-store-with/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/19/googles-very-close-to-launching-a-digital-download-store-with/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/19/googles-very-close-to-launching-a-digital-download-store-with/#comments Google Music may well be lacking a little spice right now, but here at AsiaD, SVP Andy Rubin just confirmed that his company's "very close" to coming up with a digital download store, just as rumored earlier this month. Additionally, this service will even include "a little twist" of some sort, so we should expect something more than just an ordinary MP3 store. While record companies weren't willing to bargain with the company in the way they were with Apple, Andy said he's feeling mighty optimistic that Google's "almost there" with ironing out the necessary deals, so Android fans should sit tight and keep an eye out for a launch soon.

Google's 'very close' to launching a digital download store with 'a little twist' originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Oct 2011 07:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all things dAllThingsDandy rubinAndyRubinasiadasiad 2011Asiad2011breaking newsdigital downloaddigital musicDigitalDownloadDigitalMusicgooglegoogle musicGoogleMusicmobilepostcrossmusicWed, 19 Oct 2011 07:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Google to launch MP3 store in coming weeks?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/14/google-to-launch-mp3-store-in-coming-weeks/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/14/google-to-launch-mp3-store-in-coming-weeks/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/14/google-to-launch-mp3-store-in-coming-weeks/#comments Details are still scarce here, but the New York Times is reporting that Google is about to launch a new MP3 store, as part of its ongoing foray into the music business. According to sources within the industry, the platform, not surprisingly, would be directly linked to Google Music Beta and may launch within the next few weeks -- perhaps even before Apple unveils iTunes Match, at the end of this month. It remains to be seen, however, whether Big G will be able to finalize negotiations with record labels and publishers before launching the initiative in earnest -- a potentially major hurdle, considering Google's recent track record. As you may recall, previous negotiations over a proposed locker-type storage service ultimately broke down earlier this year, amid concerns over licensing and illegal file-sharing. As one label executive told the Times, the recording industry desperately wants to "make sure the locker doesn't become a bastion of piracy." An MP3 store, of course, isn't exactly a radical proposal, but its future will likely hinge upon Google's ability to mend relations with a sector it recently characterized as "unreasonable and unsustainable."

Google to launch MP3 store in coming weeks? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonapplebusinessfile sharingFileSharinggooglegoogle musicgoogle music betaGoogleMusicGoogleMusicBetaituneslabellicensingmoneymp3musicnegotiationsnew york timesNewYorkTimespiracyrecordrecord labelrecording industryRecordingIndustryRecordLabelretailrumorFri, 14 Oct 2011 13:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Ice Cream Sandwich leak outs Music 4.0.1 for download, previews Google+ 2.0]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/07/ice-cream-sandwich-leak-outs-music-4-0-1-for-download-previews/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/07/ice-cream-sandwich-leak-outs-music-4-0-1-for-download-previews/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/07/ice-cream-sandwich-leak-outs-music-4-0-1-for-download-previews/#comments A funny thing happened to the folks at Android Police, the same group responsible for leaking some of the first screenshots of Ice Cream Sandwich. They've since come across a few apps from Google's upcoming release -- purportedly straight from a Nexus Prime. The first is Google Music 4.0.1 -- a marked upgrade from the current 3.0.1 found in the Market today -- which sports refined tabs, a contextual dialog and new player controls. For reference, the latest version is shown on the right, which is most likely installed onto a Gingerbread device. Best yet, the APK is currently up for download (which you're able to grab for yourself from the source). There's also a sneak peek of the upcoming Google+ 2.0, which suggests Messenger (formerly Huddle) and Conversations will be renamed to... get this... Chords. Feel free to take a peek after the break, or check out the full gallery at the second source link below.

Continue reading Ice Cream Sandwich leak outs Music 4.0.1 for download, previews Google+ 2.0

Ice Cream Sandwich leak outs Music 4.0.1 for download, previews Google+ 2.0 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappappschordchordsdownloadgooglegoogle musicgoogle plusGoogleMusicGooglePlusice cream sandwichIceCreamSandwichicsleakleakedleaksmobilepostcrossmusicsoftwareFri, 07 Oct 2011 17:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Music Beta crosses the aisle, launches for iOS via web app (hands-on)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/08/google-music-beta-crosses-the-aisle-launches-for-ios-via-web-ap/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/08/google-music-beta-crosses-the-aisle-launches-for-ios-via-web-ap/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/08/google-music-beta-crosses-the-aisle-launches-for-ios-via-web-ap/#comments We know, we know -- you're anxiously awaiting the public launch of iTunes Match, but what if you're one of those people? You know, the crowd that dips their toes into both Google and Apple offerings. It's clearly not as blasphemous as you may have been led to believe, as the fine folks in Google's mobile department have just produced an iOS-specific web app for Google Music Beta. For those who've forgotten, Music Beta was launched a few months back at Google I/O, giving audio archivists the chance to upload 20,000 of their favorite jams into the cloud; now, as you might imagine, it ain't just Android users tapping into those libraries. Predictably, the Music Beta iOS web app enables iPhone, iPod touch and iPad users to login to their accounts and stream at will, and if you're down to give it a go, the download link is just below -- you'll need to have been accepted previously into the beta, though.

We gave it a quick whirl on the iPad here at Engadget HQ, and it works beautifully. As you'd expect, the actual graphical elements are a bit lacking compared to the Android app, but all of the core functionality is there. Swiping left / right cruises through Artists, Albums, Songs, Playlists and Genres, and the track currently playing remains in a top bar regardless of what main window you're in. The search function works as advertised, and on a basic cable connection our results populated within two seconds of getting the third letter down. All in all, it's a fairly nice spread (see for yourself in the gallery below), but not quite as nice as we're envisioning a dedicated app to be. Still holding out for one? Heh... we never said Google was that generous.

Gallery: Google Music Beta web app on iPad (hands-on)

Google Music Beta crosses the aisle, launches for iOS via web app (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappapp storeappleAppStoreaudiobreaking newscloudgooglegoogle musicgoogle music betaGoogleMusicGoogleMusicBetahands-oniosipadiphoneiphone 4Iphone4music betaMusicBetasoftwarestreamstreamingweb appWebAppThu, 08 Sep 2011 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Magnifier curates Music Beta tracks, has nothing to do with burning ants]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/18/google-magnifier-curates-music-beta-tracks-has-nothing-to-do-wi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/18/google-magnifier-curates-music-beta-tracks-has-nothing-to-do-wi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/18/google-magnifier-curates-music-beta-tracks-has-nothing-to-do-wi/#comments
At school, Tim Quirk's friend had an English cousin who sent over new records from the motherland. Now he's paying the favor forward as head of Magnifier, a blog informing Google Music Beta members about new, interesting bands with free, exclusive tracks. One click adds the exclusive content to your Music Beta library. Google is calling Magnifier a "music discovery" site, making a big deal that only artists the editorial team thinks are "pretty great" will be featured. Sadly if your taste is more esoteric than My Morning Jacket, it may not be for you. Somehow we doubt Magnifier will get around to releasing exclusive Adriano Celentano tracks any time soon.

Google Magnifier curates Music Beta tracks, has nothing to do with burning ants originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 22:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Free DownloadFree DownloadsFree MusicFreeDownloadFreeDownloadsFreeMusicGoogleGoogle MagnifierGoogle MusicGoogle Music BetaGoogle Music MagnifierGoogleMagnifierGoogleMusicGoogleMusicBetaGoogleMusicMagnifierMagnifierMusicMusic BetaMusic BlogMusic MagnifierMusicBetaMusicBlogMusicMagnifierThu, 18 Aug 2011 22:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Google's Music Beta gives users two invites, keys to the cloud for their best mates]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/29/googles-music-beta-gives-users-two-invites-keys-to-the-cloud-f/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/29/googles-music-beta-gives-users-two-invites-keys-to-the-cloud-f/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/29/googles-music-beta-gives-users-two-invites-keys-to-the-cloud-f/#comments We probably all know at least one person who is bummed they missed out on the initial round of invites for Music Beta by Google. Well friends, you can be the bearer of good news for those troubled souls (who haven't moved on to other online music pursuits, of course), as we discovered through a fellow music enthusiast. Members of the cloud-based service are now the proud owners of two invites handed down from the Goog, to be passed out only through a thorough application and interview process. Ok, not really... but perhaps you do have the power to make two of your friends, or soon-to-be friends, pretty happy. That is, until they realize how long it will take them to upload that music library they've been curating since 8th grade.

[Thanks, Ralph]

Google's Music Beta gives users two invites, keys to the cloud for their best mates originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 29 Jul 2011 07:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiogooglegoogle musicGoogleMusicinviteinvitesmusicmusic betamusic beta by googleMusicBetaMusicBetaByGooglesoftwareFri, 29 Jul 2011 07:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Music Manager dusts off tuxedo, makes Linux debut]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/23/google-music-manager-dusts-off-tuxedo-makes-linux-debut/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/23/google-music-manager-dusts-off-tuxedo-makes-linux-debut/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/23/google-music-manager-dusts-off-tuxedo-makes-linux-debut/#comments Odds seem pretty good that, if you're a Linux user who's been aching to give Google Music a spin, you haven't been sitting idly by, waiting to upload your content through official channels. If you have, in fact, been waiting Google's blessing, however, the time is now. The software giant has released the official Linux version of its Music Manager application for your cloud-listening pleasure. You'll still need an invite, of course, but once that's squared away, the sky (and upload cap) is the limit.

Google Music Manager dusts off tuxedo, makes Linux debut originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 23 Jul 2011 10:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>googlegoogle musicgoogle music managerGoogleMusicGoogleMusicManagerlinuxmusicmusic managerMusicManagerSat, 23 Jul 2011 10:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Spotify US premium service hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/14/spotify-us-premium-service-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/14/spotify-us-premium-service-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/14/spotify-us-premium-service-hands-on/#comments Like The Beach Boys' Smile and Duke Nukem Forever before it, the US version of Spotify has been elevated to a sort of mythological status by collective anticipation. Music nerds and tech geeks all over this fine nation of ours have waited with bated breath for the service to work out all of its licensing kinks and finally make its way to our shores. In an interview earlier this week, a Spotify higher-up promised us that the service will be pretty much the same as the one that Europe has already come to love -- the question, then, is whether or not disappointment is inevitable after so much waiting. Spotify gave us the opportunity to take the premium desktop and mobile versions of the service for a spin. Check out the result below.

Gallery: Hands-on with Spotify desktop

Gallery: Hands-on with Spotify for the iPhone

Continue reading Spotify US premium service hands-on

Spotify US premium service hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 Jul 2011 15:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidfeaturegoogle musicGoogleMusichands-onicloudiosiphoneitunesmobile appsMobileAppsmusic appmusic appsMusicAppMusicAppspremiumrhapsodyspotifySpotify PremiumSpotifyPremiumstreamstreamingThu, 14 Jul 2011 15:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Best Buy puts your music in the cloud, goes where others have gone before (updated)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/22/best-buy-puts-your-music-in-the-cloud-goes-where-others-have-go/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/22/best-buy-puts-your-music-in-the-cloud-goes-where-others-have-go/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/22/best-buy-puts-your-music-in-the-cloud-goes-where-others-have-go/#comments Google, Amazon, and Apple have been hogging the headlines when it comes to storing your tunes in the internet ether. That doesn't mean there isn't room for another musically inclined cloud contender -- or at least, that's how Best Buy sees things. The big blue box has rolled out its aptly (if uncreatively) named Music Cloud service that lets you upload your audio to its servers and stream it wherever you go. You can also save songs locally, plus there are apps for Androids, Blackberrys, and iPhones to manage and play your music. There are two flavors of Music Cloud, Lite and Premium. The former is free, while the latter costs $3.99 a month, though Best Buy hasn't said what the difference is (other than price) between the two. The catch? It's currently only capable of grabbing songs from iTunes, so no uploading from file folders. Let's hope that's only a temporary problem.

Update: Turns out the Lite version only lets you listen to the first 30 seconds of each song -- you gotta pony up for the Premium service if you want your full tunage to go.

Best Buy puts your music in the cloud, goes where others have gone before (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazon cloud playerAmazonCloudPlayerandroidApplebest buybest buy cloud musicBestBuyBestBuyCloudMusicBlackBerrycloud musiccloud storageCloudMusicCloudStoragegoogle musicGoogleMusiciositunes matchItunesMatchmusicmusic cloudMusicCloudWed, 22 Jun 2011 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple's iCloud music service will automatically mirror your iTunes library using 'high-quality' tracks?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/27/apples-icloud-music-service-will-automatically-mirror-your-itun/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/27/apples-icloud-music-service-will-automatically-mirror-your-itun/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/27/apples-icloud-music-service-will-automatically-mirror-your-itun/#comments There's been so much chatter about Apple iCloud that you'd think the streaming music service had already been announced and the deals inked. But it's still just a rumor until an Apple executive takes the stage and unleashes the Amazon Cloud Player and Google Music competitor in a spate of superlatives. That hasn't stopped Businessweek from stepping up with a good summary of all that is "known" thus far, while giving us some insight into the particulars of how the service will work and the motivations to make it happen. One revelation, sourced from three people in the know, claims that Apple will scan customers' iTunes libraries (hello, LaLa) and quickly mirror the contents on Apple's own servers -- no massive DSL-choking upload required. And Apple will do you the solid of "replacing" any low bitrate tracks with the "high-quality" versions it stores in its fully licensed music locker for streaming to your connected devices.

Of course, this value-add won't come free and will certainly require a subscription fee. The cost to the consumer, though, is still very much unclear as is the service's integration with Apple's $99 per year MobileMe sham. And you know those rumors about MobileMe being offered as a free service? We wouldn't be surprised if it stays at $99 with iCloud being announced as a "free" feature update; aka, an $8.25 per month music subscription that also provides web access to your synced bookmarks, contacts, email, and calendar. Regardless, it's this subscription model that has the major labels so enthusiastic as it will finally allow them to extort fees for all that pirated audio you may have stumbled upon since Napster was loosed on an unprepared music industry a decade ago. All signs point to WWDC for this to get official but we're sure to hear more -- much more -- before the event kicks off on June 6th.

Apple's iCloud music service will automatically mirror your iTunes library using 'high-quality' tracks? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 May 2011 03:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon cloud playerAmazonCloudPlayerappleaudiobitratecloudgooglegoogle musicgoogle music betaGoogleMusicGoogleMusicBetaicloudituneslalamobilememusicrumorstreamingstreaming audiostreaming musicStreamingAudioStreamingMusicwwdcwwdc 2011Wwdc2011Fri, 27 May 2011 03:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Music Beta invites start rock 'n rolling out]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/19/google-music-beta-invites-start-rock-n-rolling-out/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/19/google-music-beta-invites-start-rock-n-rolling-out/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/19/google-music-beta-invites-start-rock-n-rolling-out/#comments Been on pins and needles since Google unveiled its long awaited Music Beta service at I/O? Good news: it seems that the non-Xoom owners among us are finally getting a crack at the thing. We've received reports from numerous tipsters that El Goog has finally started delivering invites to those who signed up through the site, letting even more users upload 20,000 of their favorite jams to its cloud-based storage locker. If you're one of the lucky ones, please sound off in the comments below -- and if not, be sure to read our hands-on review of the service while you wait.

[Thanks everyone who sent this in]

Google Music Beta invites start rock 'n rolling out originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 May 2011 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiogooglegoogle iogoogle io 2011google musicGoogleIoGoogleIo2011GoogleMusicinviteinvitesmusicmusic betamusic beta by googleMusicBetaMusicBetaByGooglesoftwareThu, 19 May 2011 20:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Music Beta invites now flying to Xoom owners, Google's server farms seen weeping in the distance]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/music-beta-invites-now-flying-to-xoom-owners-googles-server-fa/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/music-beta-invites-now-flying-to-xoom-owners-googles-server-fa/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/music-beta-invites-now-flying-to-xoom-owners-googles-server-fa/#comments After 5000 music-lovin' I/O attendees warmed up Google's servers, it appears that the company has now finished its presumed installation of four zillion exabytes of new hard drive capacity. We're exaggerating, obviously, but probably not by much -- we've received a flood of tips today (as well as an invite amongst ourselves) noting that Music Beta is finally being opened up to Earthlings in the "real world." Specifically, Motorola Xoom owners. In case you've forgotten, that entitles you to free (for now) access to a cloud storage locker where 20,000 of your hits can be saved and streamed. Curious to know if it's worth the time to upload? Have a peek at our in-depth preview right here, and be sure to let us know if your invitation has come through in comments below.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Music Beta invites now flying to Xoom owners, Google's server farms seen weeping in the distance originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 May 2011 18:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiogooglegoogle iogoogle io 2011google musicGoogleIoGoogleIo2011GoogleMusicinviteinvitesmotomotorolamotorola xoomMotorolaXoommusicmusic betamusic beta by googleMusicBetaMusicBetaByGoogleslatesoftwaretabletxoomWed, 18 May 2011 18:53:00 EST<![CDATA[What stalled negotiations between Google and the music industry? (Hint: money)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/12/what-stalled-negotiations-between-google-and-the-music-industry/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/12/what-stalled-negotiations-between-google-and-the-music-industry/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/12/what-stalled-negotiations-between-google-and-the-music-industry/#comments It's no secret that negotiations between Google and the recording industry haven't been going very well. Perhaps even less surprising are the reasons behind the stalemate. According to the Hollywood Reporter, discussions between the two parties have sputtered thanks to three usual suspects: money, file-sharing and concerns over competition. During licensing talks, Google agreed to pay upfront advances to all participating labels, but the major players wanted bigger guarantees. That prompted the indie contingent to ask for similar money, unleashing a snowball of stakes-raising. The two sides also failed to agree on how to handle pirated music, with the industry demanding that Google not only ban illegally downloaded files from users' lockers, but that it erase P2P sites from its search results, as well.

Hovering above all this bargaining was a thick cloud of destabilizing uncertainty. Some execs welcomed the idea of a new iTunes competitor, while others were less enthusiastic, amid concerns that Google Music wouldn't deliver new revenue streams. The ultimate question, of course, is how negotiations will proceed now that Google's already launched the service. The labels were warned that Tuesday's I/O announcement was coming, but the search giant didn't do much to mend fences when it effectively blamed the record execs for holding up negotiations. It's hard to say whether Google's bravado will help or hurt matters, but according to a source from a major label, "People are pissed."

What stalled negotiations between Google and the music industry? (Hint: money) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 May 2011 16:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloudentertainmentfilesharinggooglegoogle ioGoogle IO 2011google musicGoogleIoGoogleIo2011GoogleMusicIllegalDownloadsiTuneslaunchlicenselicensinglockermoneymusicnegotiationsp2ppiracyrecordrecord industryRecordIndustryRecordLabelsearchThu, 12 May 2011 16:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Google I/O 2011 recap: Chromebooks, Music Beta, Movies and more]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/12/google-i-o-2011-recap-chromebooks-music-beta-movies-and-more/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/12/google-i-o-2011-recap-chromebooks-music-beta-movies-and-more/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/12/google-i-o-2011-recap-chromebooks-music-beta-movies-and-more/#comments And that, as they say, is a wrap. We've departed a shockingly sunny San Francisco, but not without a huge helping of Google news to mull over on the long ride home. In typical Goog fashion, the outfit served up a double-dose of keynotes this year, both of which seemed to delight both developers and media alike. Sure, no new superphones used the show as a launching pad, but plenty of other nuggets were unearthed. From the reveal of Music Beta to the official introduction of the world's first commercial Chromebooks, the 2011 edition of Google I/O packed plenty of punch. If you missed even a second of our continuous coverage, we've got you covered -- the best of the best is recapped below. We'll see you next year, I/O... you bring the tiramisu, we'll bring the Ice Cream Sandwich.

Keynotes / liveblogs:
Day 1: Music Beta, Android 3.1, Ice Cream Sandwich, Open Accessory, ADK
Day 2: Chrome, Angry Birds, Chrome OS, Chromebooks

Editorials / previews:
Google Music Beta walkthrough: what it is and how it works (video)
Editorial: Engadget on Google Music and Movies for Android
Google Music Beta versus the titans of the streaming music space: a chart
Editorial: Google clarifies Chromebook subscriptions, might have just changed the industry

Hands-ons:
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Limited Edition (white) hands-on from Google I/O!
Samsung Series 5 Chrome OS laptop hands-on at Google I/O
Fossil Meta Watch wrists-on at Google I/O (video)
Hasbro's experimental Nexus-powered robot toy hands-on at Google I/O (video)
Lighting Science demos Android @ Home bulbs, promises dead-simple home automation (hands-on)
Google's Arduino-based ADK powers robots, home gardens and giant Labyrinth (video)
LifeFitness exercise bike interfaces with Nexus S, makes fitness marginally enjoyable (video)
iRobot Ava mobile robotics platform hands-on at Google I/O (video)
Groupme's group messaging app demoed at Google I/O, complete with data / location (video)

Head on past the break for more!

Continue reading Google I/O 2011 recap: Chromebooks, Music Beta, Movies and more

Google I/O 2011 recap: Chromebooks, Music Beta, Movies and more originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 May 2011 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acerandroid 3.0android 3.1Android3.0Android3.1chromechrome oschromebookChromeOsgalaxy tabgalaxy tab 10.1galaxy tab 10.1 limited editionGalaxyTabGalaxyTab10.1GalaxyTab10.1LimitedEditiongooglegoogle iogoogle io 2011google moviesgoogle musicGoogleIoGoogleIo2011GoogleMoviesGoogleMusiclaptopmoviesmusicmusic betamusic beta by googleMusicBetaMusicBetaByGooglenetbookrecapsamsungtrade showTradeShowultraportableyoutubeThu, 12 May 2011 12:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Music Beta walkthrough: what it is and how it works (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/google-music-beta-walkthrough-what-it-is-and-how-it-works-vide/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/google-music-beta-walkthrough-what-it-is-and-how-it-works-vide/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/google-music-beta-walkthrough-what-it-is-and-how-it-works-vide/#comments We made a few predictions about Google's (then-presumed) music service in our streaming roundup last week, and thanks to the inability of an undisclosed amount of labels to take a whiff of whatever El Goog was cooking, it looks as if we've been left with something less robust, but nevertheless intriguing. It's worth taking a glance at our team editorial on Music Beta by Android to get a feel of what could've been, but the reality is this: what was launched today is what we've been dealt, and now it's time to break things down and see how it actually functions in practice.

Care to have a look at a full installation walkthrough, problem reports and two more pennies on how the service stacks up? That, along with tips on fulfilling your hopes and dreams, are tucked away just after the break.

Gallery: Google Music Beta walkthrough on phone, tablet and PC

Continue reading Google Music Beta walkthrough: what it is and how it works (video)

Google Music Beta walkthrough: what it is and how it works (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 May 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiobetacloudcloud storageCloudStoragegooglegoogle iogoogle io 2011google musicGoogleIoGoogleIo2011GoogleMusicimpressionsmusic betamusic beta by googlemusic managementMusicBetaMusicBetaByGoogleMusicManagementpreviewreviewedsoftwarevideoWed, 11 May 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Editorial: Engadget on Google Music and Movies for Android]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/10/editorial-engadget-on-music-beta-by-google/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/10/editorial-engadget-on-music-beta-by-google/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/10/editorial-engadget-on-music-beta-by-google/#comments Editorial Google dropped an amazing amount of stuff on us this morning, up to and including using your phone to turn off a lamp and a tablet to control a giant wooden labyrinth. Move past the flash, though, and the news with the most immediate impact to Android users is the release of the Music Beta by Google, plus the availability of movie rentals on the go. Now you can take your tunes all up into the cloud and pay too much to bring some movies along with you. That all sounds great, but we have somewhat mixed feelings about the whole thing. Check 'em out below.

Continue reading Editorial: Engadget on Google Music and Movies for Android

Editorial: Engadget on Google Music and Movies for Android originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 May 2011 16:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcloudeditorialfeaturedfeaturesgooglegoogle iogoogle io 2011google musicGoogleIoGoogleIo2011GoogleMusicioio 2011Io2011movie rentalMovieRentalmusicmusic beta by googleMusicBetaByGooglerentalsstreamingTue, 10 May 2011 16:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Music Beta versus the titans of the streaming music space: a chart]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/10/google-music-beta-versus-the-titans-of-the-streaming-music-space/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/10/google-music-beta-versus-the-titans-of-the-streaming-music-space/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/10/google-music-beta-versus-the-titans-of-the-streaming-music-space/#comments It feels like just yesterday we charted the streaming music landscape, but it's already changed in a big way -- Google is muscling in on the likes of Rhapsody, Pandora and particularly Amazon with its Google Music Beta. Being able to take 20,000 of your personal tunes, stream them over the web and cache them locally on your device isn't functionality to sneeze at, so it's time we updated our charts. After the break, see how the big streaming services stack up.

Continue reading Google Music Beta versus the titans of the streaming music space: a chart

Google Music Beta versus the titans of the streaming music space: a chart originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 May 2011 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chartchartscloudcloud storageCloudStorageGoogleGoogle IOGoogle IO 2011Google MusicGoogleIoGoogleIo2011GoogleMusicIO 2011Io2011MusicMusic BetaMusicBetastreamingstreaming musicstreaming radioStreamingMusicStreamingRadioTue, 10 May 2011 15:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Music Beta to stream 20,000 songs for free, official! (updated)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/10/google-music-to-stream-20-000-songs-for-free-launches-at-i-o-la/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/10/google-music-to-stream-20-000-songs-for-free-launches-at-i-o-la/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/10/google-music-to-stream-20-000-songs-for-free-launches-at-i-o-la/#comments It's not quite official but there's little doubt that Google will launch its Google Music service at its big I/O event later today. While the Wall Street Journal couldn't get a Google spokesman to admit it, Peter Kafka over at All Things D got Jamie Rosenberg, Director of Android Product Management, to spill the details a bit early. Google's service will essentially mimic the music locker functionality of Amazon's Cloud service, albeit without the ability to sell songs direct to consumers. Ouch. Unfortunately, Google's plans to launch a more feature-complete service were derailed when discussions with the labels broke down. According to Rosenberg, "A couple of the major labels were less focused on the innovative vision that we put forward, and more interested in an unreasonable and unsustainable set of business terms." So, rather than putting the service on hold, Google will launch its music service with the ability to store up to 20,000 of your own uploaded songs for free which you can then stream over the web to your desktop or Android phone or tablet -- any device that supports Flash (don't worry iOS users, your time will come). Amazon's service, by comparison, offers just 5GB of free storage for about 1,200 songs stored at a mediocre bitrate. Google will also best Amazon with a feature that automatically creates playlists. Google expects to roll out the service to its US users within "weeks" with Music Beta invites going out later today to Verizon Xoom owners (others will be able to sign up at music.google.com). Keep it right here because we'll be bringing you the announcement live.

Update: And it's officially official, called "Music Beta by Google" at this point. There's a simple presentation with artists, albums, and easy playlist creation. You can manually create them, or there's a feature called "Instant Mix" that will make you a playlist based on any single song. It'll automagically pick 25 different tracks to build a "truly ingenious mix." You know, kind of like another, similarly intelligent service. All of this syncs to the cloud, which means no wires needed to download anything.

But, more importantly, songs can be cached locally. You can pick any song, album, or playlist to download onto storage, at an unknown quality. It's the same pinning idea that's in the new movies feature. That and more is demonstrated in the video below.

The service is launching in beta today, allowing 20,000 songs, and it'll be free -- "at least while it's in beta." Also, the updated music app is available now, which will work with any music on your phone and any phone running Android 2.2 or above. To get full-featured you can request a beta and get in line, but if you happen to be reading this from I/O you're in the beta. Congrats, you lucky bums!

Gallery: Google Music

Continue reading Google Music Beta to stream 20,000 songs for free, official! (updated)

Google Music Beta to stream 20,000 songs for free, official! (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 May 2011 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgooglegoogle iogoogle io 2011google musicGoogleIoGoogleIo2011GoogleMusicioio 2011Io2011jamie rosenbergJamieRosenberglockermusicmusic betaMusicBetaofficialpassivepassive lockerPassiveLockerremote driveRemoteDrivestreamingstreaming audiostreaming musicStreamingAudioStreamingMusicvideoTue, 10 May 2011 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Live from Google I/O 2011's opening keynote!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/10/live-from-google-i-o-2011s-opening-keynote/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/10/live-from-google-i-o-2011s-opening-keynote/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/10/live-from-google-i-o-2011s-opening-keynote/#comments We're camped out on the corner of Howard and 3rd, but Google I/O 2011's opening keynote hasn't started quite yet. You're still in the right place, though -- bookmark this very page and return at the time listed below for blow-by-blow coverage as it happens.

06:00AM - Hawaii
09:00AM - Pacific
10:00AM - Mountain
11:00AM - Central
12:00PM - Eastern
05:00PM - London
06:00PM - Paris
08:00PM - Moscow
01:00AM - Perth (May 11th)
01:00AM - Shenzhen (May 11th)
02:00AM - Tokyo (May 11th)
04:00AM - Sydney (May 11th)

Continue reading Live from Google I/O 2011's opening keynote!

Live from Google I/O 2011's opening keynote! originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 May 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidchromechrome osChromeOsgooglegoogle androidgoogle iogoogle io 2011google musicGoogleAndroidGoogleIoGoogleIo2011GoogleMusickeynotelive blogliveblogNFCoperating systemOperatingSystemossoftwareTue, 10 May 2011 12:00:00 EST