Rumor: Google To Launch Cloud-Based Music Store?

In May Google launched Google Music, a cloud-based streaming music app that allows for music backups and streaming to phones and other devices.  Rumors have been swirling that Google will use this product to create an online MP3 store to compete against Apple and Amazon.

The WSJ reports that while Google has been in licensing talks with all of the major record labels including Universal Music Group, Sony Music, Warner Music Group & EMI Group.  While Google has been in talks, not all have sounded fruitful.  If a Google Music store is launched, it  may not have the ability to offer music from the largest three labels as reports say Google is only close to a deal with EMI (artists include Katy Perry, Lady Antebellum and The Gorillaz).

While the Google Music service is still in invitation-only BETA mode, the NY Times reported that Google may be looking to launch a store in the next few weeks.  Interestingly enough Google launched the Google Music app for iOS last month and a new Android version was leaked last week.

One of the issues that may hinder a potential Google music store is the way in which Google Music currently works.  Unlike Apple, Google (and Amazon) basically allow users to store music, then listen to it via a variety of devices.  This means that all songs have to be uploaded; they can’t be streamed from the service.  Apple has licenses allows remote access to online libraries so uploading can be by-passed.  Google does however allow the uploading of iTunes libraries into Google Music.

For more information on Google Music, see the following video: