Google Reportedly To Launch Free Unlimited Music Streaming Service

Google is looking into creating its own music streaming service, according to the folks over at the Financial Times. The service would offer free unlimited streaming, and would be in direct competition with similar services, such as Spotify. The service would be supported by ads, but word has it that an ad-free subscription version might also be available.

Google already offers its own music download store in the United States and various locations across Europe, and so the launch of its own streaming service would give it a leg up on its competitors, including Apple and Amazon, neither of which offer a streaming service. No information about what the subscription rates could be was provided.

According to the Times, Google is currently in talks with "big" music labels about the service. Such an endeavor will allow it to diversify its income, which presently comes primarily from advertising. The service will give users access to millions of tracks, and will follow in line with its plans to add a for-pay subscription to YouTube.

The launch of this music service is said to be impending, but no timeline or estimate as given. Google has not said anything official about the service, declining to comment when asked. There's also no word on whether the streaming service will only be available in the United States, or whether it will be available elsewhere as well.

[via Financial Times]