Google to launch its own music store

World’s leading search engine Google is planning to launch its own online music store in the next several weeks, according to the New York Times. It’s highly likely the new store will be integrated into Google Music Beta, a free music storage service, which was launched five months ago. With its new service, Google will compete with other online music stores of Apple and Amazon.

Originally, the plan was to convert Google Music Beta into a music store right away, but in prior negotiations with music companies the parties could not meet and Google Music Beta only became a storage service. The negotiations broke down over financial terms and Google would not make enough effort to curb piracy. At this moment however, rumor has it Google is back into negotiation with record labels to acquire licenses from right holders. In case these negotiations will succeed Google will then be able to offer music on a legal base and right holders will receive the compensation they are entitled to.

Reference: New York Times