Google has been rumored to be building a streaming music
service into its YouTube property, which is a little confusing because it also
has its catalogue-spanning Google Play Music All Access service. But there's
even more evidence it's going forward with that plan in the latest YouTube app
for Android, which contains code (via Android Police) indicating that a service
called “Music Pass” is in the works for the online video site.
Details from the code included suggest the name “Music
Pass,” which comes complete with offline playback, background listening so that
you can listen while using other apps, and uninterrupted music, which means no
ads played while you're listening, unlike on standard YouTube offerings. And of
course, unlike the Google Play Music All Access streaming offering, you'd get
videos in the mix, too.
Later code suggests that videos will be able to be saved for
up to 48 hours, and saved in either standard (360p) or HD (720p) resolution.
There's still a lot up in the air, like how much subscriptions will cost and
what exactly subscribers will get vs. free users. Still, it looks pretty clear
that Google is working on this in earnest, with a launch intended for the not
so distant future. As with most products that involve giant media companies,
the delay is probably down to figuring out licensing arrangements with all
parties involved.
Google having two separate music-streaming services under
one roof could get confusing, but they're clearly hoping that they can get some
users to double-dip thanks to the added value of getting videos with the
YouTube service, although from this vantage point, there looks to be little
benefit to going for the music-only version, unless there's a significant price
difference.
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