YouTube related rumors are calling for a subscription based music streaming service. Keep in mind, this is coming in addition to the rumors about Google setting up a subscription streaming service for Android users, one that is expected to be tied in with Google Play. Some of the features are likely to overlap, of course that can probably be said about any two subscription based music services.
In the case of the YouTube service, it is said to be launching with a free and paid model. Details coming from Fortune include that anyone will be able to stream for free and that the paid model “will unlock additional features.” Presumably, one of those features will include the removal of advertising.
Google, as one would expect, has yet to say one way or another. In fact, a YouTube spokesperson has said that some content creators feel they “would benefit from a subscription revenue stream in addition to ads, so we’re looking at that.” In terms of where Fortune has been getting the details, they have said they were briefed by sources in the record industry as well as from inside Google.
This seems to be another case of when as opposed to if, however as always — rumors are just that, rumors. Simply put, while this seems like it would make sense given the current size of YouTube’s music audience, we still need the official announcement before we get super excited. Otherwise, in addition to YouTube possibly taking on the music subscription services, Google also looks to be taking on Amazon in terms of shipping.
Details coming from TechCrunch note that Google may be launching a same-day shipping service that will rival Amazon Prime. According to what we have seen thus far, the service will be called Google Shopping Express and will arrive priced about $10 to $15 lower as compared to Prime. This service is expected to offer same-day shipping from brick-and-mortar stores such as Target, Walmart, Walgreens and Safeway.
[via Fortune]
