There are big changes coming to Google’s music setup in the coming weeks, both at YouTube and Google Play.
YouTube is set to launch its first ever streaming service, to be called YouTube Music Key. Google Play Music All Access, Google’s pre-existing music subscription service, will be renamed Google Play Music Key. All clear so far?
The YouTube Music Key app will offer all of the standard Spotify-a-like features you’d expect from such an app: no ads, audio-only playback and the ability to access tracks offline. You’re welcome to a 30-day free trial followed by a subscription fee of $9.99 (international pricing to be announced).
Apparently, though, this $9.99 fee will also include access to Google Play Music Key. As for current subscribers of Google Play Music All Access, they’re expected to automatically switch over to the rebranded Google Play Music Key. Does this all make sense?
Exactly how much the YouTube and the Google Play services will differ is, at this point, unclear. One thing we know though is that YouTube Music Key will offer up an unrivalled number of live performances and covers from subscribers’ favourite artists – something which could give it an advantage over the wealth of competition out there. It also has the ability to compile mixes based on your learned tastes, much in the same way that the YouTube website provides recommended videos.
We don’t know when these changes are set to come into effect, or when the apps are set to launch, as Google is thought to be still tying up contractual negotiations with all of the various parties involved. And with something as complex as music streaming rights, that’s a lot of parties.
We’ll be sure to keep you updated as more information becomes available, though.
With special thanks to Android Police
