Google to launch music streaming service later today

Just hours before the start of Google I/O 2013, multiple reports have appeared suggesting that Google is going to introduce a music streaming service like Spotify later today. Google’s music ambitions are no secret and the company has been working with labels for months, trying to get them on board.  Now, the company has finally signed deals with Universal Music, Warner Music and Sony Music to start offering a streaming service on both YouTube and Google Play, reports The Verge quoting sources in the music industry.

The deals with Sony and Universal, which are the two biggest record labels, will give Google access to creations from artists like Bob Dylan, Alicia Keys, Lil Wayne, Rihanna, and Jay-Z.

Soon after The Verge report, Wall Street Journal and The New York Times also came out with similar reports, in turn further confirming that Google’s music streaming service is real and will be debuting today.

No free streaming option?

NYT notes that Google’s streaming service won’t have a free tier, unlike Google’s other services which always tend to have a free option. Customers will have to pay a fixed amount to gain unlimited access to Google’s music collection. The exact rate is unknown right not, but NYT speculates that is likely to be in line with Spotify and Rdio, about $10 a month.

Youtube’s Audio only plans?

While, Google’s plans to include music streaming service in Google Play are understandable and the service can easily be included in already existing Google Play Music, it is not the same case with Youtube – which is also getting the streaming option.

WSJ reports that YouTube is most likely to offer paid subscription service for music videos (ad-free) and also audio-only songs. The exact plans are still unclear.