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Google rolling out music purchases to some Android phones, Music app to Google TV
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.
Hands-on with Google Music MP3 store for web and the new Music app
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-139675%
Google Music available on T-Mobile devices, track purchases can be direct billed
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 Artist Hub helps musicians promote, sell music (video)
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.
Google partners with Universal, EMI, Sony Music, 23 independent labels on Google Music, scores exclusive content
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.
Google Music drops beta, MP3 store and Google+ integration along for the ride (updated)
Google partners with Universal, EMI, Sony Music, 23 independent labels on Google Music, scores exclusive content Google Music available on T-Mobile devices, track purchases can be direct billed Google Music Artist Hub helps musicians promote, sell music 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.
Google's Android 'These Go To Eleven' liveblog from Los Angeles!
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-139636% November 16, 2011 5:00:00 PM EST
Google's 'These Go To Eleven' Android event starts at 5PM ET, get your liveblog here!
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
Universal reportedly close to Google music deal, just in time for tomorrow's events
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.
T-Mo invites us to 'Experience the World of T-Mobile & Google' with Busta Rhymes as our guide
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.
Google announces Android 'special event' for November 16th in Los Angeles
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.
Google Music mobile landing page hints tunes are coming to the Android Market
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]
Google's 'very close' to launching a digital download store with 'a little twist'
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 to launch MP3 store in coming weeks?
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."
Ice Cream Sandwich leak outs Music 4.0.1 for download, previews Google+ 2.0
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.
Daily Update for Sept. 9, 2011
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes, which is perfect for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the inline player (requires Flash) or the non-Flash link below. To subscribe to the podcast for listening through iTunes, click here. No Flash? Click here to listen.
Google Music Beta crosses the aisle, launches for iOS via web app (hands-on)
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-133011%
Google Magnifier curates Music Beta tracks, has nothing to do with burning ants
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's Music Beta gives users two invites, keys to the cloud for their best mates
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 Music Manager dusts off tuxedo, makes Linux debut
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.
