Google Snaps Up Songza; Contextual Music Incoming

Google has purchased Songza, the music suggestion and streaming radio service. The suggestions, which come in the form of carefully curated content based on context like where you are, fit well with Google. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Google was originally rumored to be interested for Songza at around $15 million, but various entities are saying that others were equally interested in Songza. That could have bumped the price significantly, but we still don't have a solid number for what Google paid.

Google also isn't commenting on who — if any — of Songza's employees will make the jump to Mountain View, or probably Google's NYC headquarters. Songza is based out of Long Island in New York.

Songza's main draw is their curated playlists based on your activity or whereabouts. If you're driving down the coast, you'll get a different suggestion than should you be running in the middle of Omaha, Nebraska. That fits well with Google's never-ending quest to creepily know your exact position and movement at any given time.

Songza has about 5.5 million active users, but hasn't disclosed how many opt for their $0.99/week ad-free service. It's likely not important, since Google will probably just roll it into their own Play Music offering for free.

Via: TechCrunch