Following the heels of Twitter’s new music service launch last month, Google has also entered the streaming music fray with a music service of its own. Dubbed Google Play Music All Access (don’t really roll right off the tongue, we know), this is also a way to discover music, but also listen to, store and share great music on your Android device or on the web, and here’s how.
This is clearly another option to add to the already long list of streaming music choices out there including Spotify, Pandora, Rdio and others (check out our recent post on the best free music services). So, what’s different about this one? Well, honestly, it’s going to come down to personal preference.
If you are an avid Google user, have an Android mobile device and have already been using Google Play to purchase music, then this will be an easy decision for you. Everything that you had stored in your Google Music Locker will automatically be moved over to the new service, without you having to do anything.
A lot of the features that other streaming music services offer are available through Google as well, such as unlimited listening, personalized radio stations, and the ability to skip songs as many times as you like. You’ll also get recommendations based on your listening habits, andhave the ability to share your playlists and song choices with friends.
Now to access these features, you have to pay a monthly subscription fee of $7.99/month, if you sign up before June 30. After July 1, it will be $9.99/month so get on it now!
Either way, be sure to take advantage of the free 30-day trial to test it out yourself before you commit. The free version comes with options like storing music, accessing your music across devices and purchasing new music, but all the customization and sharing options are available through the subscription service only.
Of the streaming music choices we recently reviewed, Google’s new music service seems most comparable to Spotify, with similar pricing as well. If you already have content and media in your Google account and want to streamline, that may just give it the winning edge. –Jeana
For more information, check out Google Play Music All Access online or download the free Android app. And we’ll keep our eyes out for the iOS version which is rumored to launch in a few weeks!
