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Google Music gains scan and match feature in the US
It wasn't very long ago that Google Music landed in Europe -- to the delight of local music lovers, we're sure. On its trip across the pond, the service gained a unique new feature called scan and match, wherein Google scans your local music library and makes the songs it matches instantly available in the cloud -- no upload required. Until now the feature, which is similar to iTunes Match, was only available in Europe, but it's coming to the US starting today. From now on, any US Google Play users who upload their music collection will benefit from this new feature. Over time, the company will also upgrade users with existing cloud libraries. It's a free service and it's automatic -- you're unlikely to notice that it's even happening. The upside is that entire collections will be uploaded faster. We're not aware of any downsides yet -- matched songs will be available for streaming at 320Kbps like regular Google Play purchases, while re-downloaded music will be available at or close to the bitrate of the original file. Update: Google confirmed that any VBR files matched by the service will be re-downloaded as CBR files with a bitrate that's slightly higher than the average bitrate of the original song. This is obviously a drawback if you're currently relying on the service to backup your music collection.
Google Music comes to Europe November 13, brings Google Music match, too
Folks may be more excited about the newest Nexus phones, tablets and their fresh flavor of Jelly Bean, but Mountain View also unveiled a little something for music lovers across the pond today. That's right, Google Music is coming to Europe beginning November 13th. Unfortunately, not everyone on the continent will gain access, but residents of the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain will have Google's musical cloud services in just a couple weeks. Not only that, Big G is adding an iTunes Match-style feature to Google Music that'll scan your songs and add them to your cloud library, no uploading required. The feature will launch in Europe, with US residents enjoying the feature "soon after."
Path 2.1 update adds Nike+, Music Match and a new filter
I've been a fan and user of social networking app Path (free) for some time, even after it it was disclosed that the company was uploading iPhone Contacts to their servers. The company has now released an update to the app, adding some features that might bring miffed former users back to the Path fold. Path 2.1, available today, has one new feature that may help you on the running path. Through Nike+ GPS Running Stories, runs can automatically be journaled by linking the Nike+ GPS app (US$1.99) to Path. Your friends on Path will be able to see a map of your run, perfect for creating enmity between you and those couch potatoes. Another great new feature appears when you tap the music icon to let your buddies know what you're listening to. Instead of typing in the name of a tune, you can just tap a microphone icon to let Path "listen to" the music and get the song title from Music Match. It's also helpful if you aren't sure what that catchy tune playing in Starbucks actually is... Path added a new in-app purchase for a "camera lens" that creates a comic book effect. Trust me -- most self-portraits are bad enough without needing to look like you're a comic book character. The company also added a way to adjust the focus and exposure points of the camera separately for more detailed images.
Logitech Z-10 Interactive 2.0 Speaker System comes with Internet radio presets
Speaking of being busy, Logitech's been crankin' out some sweet gear as well. This morning, we came across this new Logitech Z-10 Interactive 2.0 Speaker System. These pair of sweet lookin' speakers come with an embedded woofer that elegantly connects to your machine via a single USB cable. But the real innovation is the preset buttons for Internet radio stations (no word on what flavor), and its ability to act as an external control for your favorite media players, including iTunes, WMP, Winamp and Musicmatch. However, it appears that it doesn't have Foobar support yet, sadly. Each satellite is 9.7 x 4.5 x 4.7 inch, and it's due to hit the streets next month for a Benjamin and a half. [Via Geekzone]
