Google may be bringing its own version of Pandora or iTunes to users. The Internet search giant is reportedly developing a music service called Google Audio, multiple sources have told TechCrunch.
Google has spent the last several weeks getting content for the launch of the service from major music labels, sources said. The new service will be available in the U.S. as either a download or streaming music service. Currently Google offers users a music search engine that can be accessed by typing the word music in the search box. Songs, however, are not available for download via those searches.
Google is remaining tight-lipped about the project. Asked if the reports of a new music service were accurate, Google spokesperson Gabriel Stricker said, “We don’t comment on rumor or speculation.”
Whatever Google is doing with the rumored music service, whether it is for search-advertising purposes or to bring music to users, analysts say it will succeed. “The minute you put Google in front of anything, you are guaranteed results,” said Michael McGuire, a Gartner analyst.
While some observers are guessing Google is developing a service that will stream music like Pandora or a money-generating music store such as iTunes, others say the move would not be in line with Google’s core business of search.
“I would find it perplexing if they were taking upon themselves to license content from labels and providing downloads,” McGuire said. “The margins are so thin.”
It would make more sense for Google to tap into large aggregators of music who already have an audience.
In China, Google users are hearing the music. In March, after seven months of testing, Google launched the Google Music OneBox service found at Google.cn/Music. The service allows users in China to search for digital rights management-free MP3…