Those with their ears to the pulse of Google will already know about Google’s plans to enter the world of MP3s. Nevertheless, the details have been vague for quite some time, and no one knows whether Google Music will be a service more akin to Google Bookstore or Picasa. Recent information, however, indicates that Google’s approach may be that of a cloud-storage MP3 locker.
According to a report on PC World, Google is planning on taking to the cloud for this upcoming project. But MP3 lockers have been controversial to date since they allow users to store music that may or may not have purchased legally, and access it from any device with web access — leading to the potential for sharing one’s account information, and thus all the music stored in it. Since technology already has piracy running rampant, it’s no wonder that the music companies are guarding their few remaining assets.
It’s for that reason that the “big four” of the music industry (EMI Group, Universal Music Group, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, and Warner Music Group — who, in total, make up for more than two-thirds of the market) have fought hard against several MP3 lockers in the past. However, speculation is that Google will come bearing gifts; specifically, “tens of millions of dollars.”
According to one unnamed source, this shift in approach comes after Google had an internal conflict over whether to acquire an MP3 subscription group such as Rhapsody or Spotify. This source claims that three different groups within Google have been bickering for control, which may be the reason we haven’t heard many updates on actual progress from the Google Music service.
However, despite these rumored internal setbacks, Google is in a unique position of power. As the first powerhouse company to take up negotiations with the record labels, they may be able to push the world of music into the cloud.
