Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) makes it easier to search for websites, e-mail messages, passages from books and videos. Where you haven't heard much about Google's search capabilities -- or Google in general -- is the music business.
But, that's about to change. On Wednesday, the search giant announced that it was partnering with music services such as Pandora, Lala, News Corp's (NASDAQ: NWS) MySpace, and Rhapsody by RealNetworks (NASDAQ: RNWK) to help users find, listen to and ultimately buy music on the web.
The proposed model entails Google search capabilities leading to a 30-second music segment (in some cases the entire song) and links to related websites where the listener can then become a buyer. For Google, this is a way into the large online music business in a way that's directly related to its core search capability.
The company says on its blog, "Every day we get millions of search queries about music. You want to know more about your favorite artists, find that new album or that iconic song, or figure out the name of that tune stuck in your head."
What this also means is: "We execute a ton of music-related searches. We realize that we haven't been making nearly as much as we could be on this. So, now we've found a way to bring in even more cash on something we basically do already."
If this program explodes, it could bring Google head-to-head with Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) in a battle for the music business. And, other sharks are starting to circle. Facebook is going to expand its offerings in the music sector, ostensibly a response to the success MySpace has realized.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
10-30-2009 @ 6:48PM
Beltway Greg said...
Google is the new Microsoft. They're building their empire one click at a time. Search engine, advertising, phones, music.....you cannot tell me that these folks won't end-up raising their right hands at some not so distant point in the future. The potential for conflict of interest is just too large and compelling. It's pretty darn hard not to trip on your feet occasionally when you're a centipede.