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Google will launch a native Google Music iOS app later this month
If you've been against trying Google's Play Music All Access streaming service for lack of an official iOS app, it may soon be time to change your tune. Sources aware of Google's plans have let slip to Engadget that not only is the company currently testing a native Google Music iOS app internally, but that it'll launch later this month. We're told that while employees have been invited to test the app, Google still needs to fix a few bugs before it's ready for release. Google currently lets users in more than 19 countries sign up for its Standard and All Access music services, allowing offline and streaming access. Some users have made do with unofficial iOS apps in addition to a limited web app, but Google is said to be including the same custom radio and smart recommendation features found in the Android app. The company had previously closed the door on iOS users because Flash was needed to enforce DRM restrictions set by music labels. Now, Google appears to have overcome that issue and is nearly ready to launch. Editor's Note: The image above is only a render.
Google Play Music All Access coming to iOS 'in a few weeks'
Sundar Pichai just dropped some pretty big news onstage at D11: Google's Play Music All Access app will be coming to iOS in the following weeks. When the streaming service debuted at I/O, we found it curious that an Apple-compatible version was missing, especially considering that Mountain View is quite generous in sharing its cloud services with folks on Cupertino's platform. Speaking with Walt Mossberg today, Pichai -- SVP of Android, Chrome and Apps at Google -- said Mountain View's goal is to be "universally accessible," noting that "when there's a mass of users, we invest in more platforms." Of course, that cross-platform love doesn't extend much to Windows Phone, which has tangled horns with Google over the lack of an official YouTube app. That's it for now; we'll be sure to clue you in when the iOS app gets a formal release date.
Google launches All Access music-streaming service in the US: $9.99 monthly fee
And now, one of the most anticipated I/O announcements. As rumored, Google has been working toward the launch of its own music-streaming service, and the official unveiling came today. Dubbed Google Play Music All Access, the product has a strong focus on personalized recommendations via the so-called Explore feature. Like Spotify and other services, All Access will let you start a radio station while listening to a particular track, and in-depth tweaking controls allow you to nix songs that don't suit your fancy. Another feature demoed onstage is Listen Now, which highlights new releases and content Google thinks you'll enjoy. As anticipated, All Access will require a monthly fee. A subscription costs $9.99 in the US, and all users will get a 30-day free trial. The service is launching stateside today, and if you sign up before June 30th, you'll get $2 off the monthly fee. We'll be taking All Access for a test drive as soon as possible -- check back for our initial impressions. %Gallery-188433%
