Google Working on Subscription-Based Streaming Music Service

Home  My Music  Google PlayGoogle is in negotiations with music publishers to develop a Spotify-esque subscription streaming music service for its Android operating system, reports The Wall Street Journal.

Currently, Google has a scan-and-match music service like iTunes Match, as well as an Android-focused music download store.

Google Inc.'s Android unit has been negotiating with music companies to start a paid subscription music-streaming service akin to Spotify AB, according to people familiar with the matter.

Separately, Google's YouTube video website is trying to obtain licenses from music labels to start a paid subscription service for music videos and potentially also for audio-only songs, these people said.

There have been rumors for nearly five years about Apple developing a subscription music service, though more recently reports have surfaced that Apple is aiming to release its service sometime in 2013.

Bloomberg reported in October that Apple was aiming for a first quarter launch, but record labels have suggested that negotiations were hung up over licensing fees.

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
We are still waiting for the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate to come out, so the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week or two away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
Apple Logo Black

Apple's Next Launch is 'Imminent'

Sunday February 1, 2026 12:31 pm PST by
The calendar has turned to February, and a new report indicates that Apple's next product launch is "imminent," in the form of new MacBook Pro models. "All signs point to an imminent launch of next-generation MacBook Pros that retain the current form factor but deliver faster chips," Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said on Sunday. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated...
iOS 26 Home Feature

Apple Gives Final Warning to Home App Users

Tuesday February 3, 2026 8:55 am PST by
In 2022, Apple introduced a new Apple Home architecture that is "more reliable and efficient," and the deadline to upgrade and avoid issues is fast approaching. In an email this week, Apple gave customers a final reminder to upgrade their Home app by February 10, 2026. Apple says users who do not upgrade may experience issues with accessories and automations, or lose access to their smart...
Aston Martin CarPlay Ultra Screen

Apple's CarPlay Ultra to Expand to These Vehicle Brands Later This Year

Sunday February 1, 2026 10:08 am PST by
Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly nine months later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon. In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. In his Powe...
Apple Foldable Thumb

First Foldable iPhone Design Details Revealed

Monday February 2, 2026 7:19 am PST by
Apple's first foldable iPhone will feature relocated volume buttons, an all-black camera plateau, a smaller Dynamic Island, and more, according to design leaks from a known Weibo leaker. The user known as "Instant Digital" today claimed to share several key details about the design of the foldable iPhone: The volume buttons will be located on the top edge of the device, aligned to the...

Top Rated Comments

komodrone Avatar
169 months ago
I still buy CDs. Go me!
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Moshe1010 Avatar
169 months ago
I think MacRumors became GoogleRumors.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Renzatic Avatar
169 months ago
Looks like Google's throwing ideas at the wall to see what sticks.

Future posters: please repeat this phrase 50 times throughout the rest of this thread to make sure everyone knows this. It can't be stated enough.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
The Bulge Avatar
169 months ago
Nothing beats just simply having your music on a device.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Renzatic Avatar
169 months ago
What you say is true. But begging for post quotes just makes you sound like an ass. You're better then this.

Actually, I'm making fun of all the people who kept saying this in the last Google thread. Think there were about 300 different people who posted it verbatim.

You'd go through the thread. Someone would say something, another guy would reply, then you'd see it.

"Looks like Google's throwing ideas at the wall to see what sticks."

Three or four posts would pass, and...

"Looks like Google's throwing ideas at the wall to see what sticks."

It was kinda scary.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jaw04005 Avatar
169 months ago
Google seems to be firing on all cylinders as of lately.

1. Google Now competes favorably with Siri.

2. Google Music competes favorably with iTunes Match (is free and has a web interface that you can use anywhere).

3. Google now makes some of the prettiest iOS software (G+, Gmail and YouTube app are really nice on either platform).

4. Google Glass seems to be moving from a pie-in-the-sky type prototype to an actual product.

5. Nexus 4 is a really nice smartphone for a crazy unsubsidized price (Is an iPhone 5 really worth $300 more than a Nexus 4?).

6. They're rumored to start building retail outlets.

If they manage to do something with Google TV this year, I might actually be impressed with the company.

The problem with Apple is you never know what they're up to.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)