Google launches Google Music

Google have today announced the launch of a new service targeted at music lovers. Google music will operate on Android handsets users in the US, but is expected to launch in the UK soon once negotiations with record labels have been concluded.

The service hosts all major labels so far except Warner Music with whom Google claim negotiations continue. Song costs are between 69c, 99c & $1.29, the same as on Apple's iTunes.

This is seen as a major play by Google in ensuring that its Android based mobile offering can effectively compete with Apple.

Google claim that the service will host more than 13m tracks from Universal, Sony Music and EMI as well as a thousand independent labels. Users are able to buy individual songs or entire albums from computer or Android device and they will instantly added to your Google Music library, and accessible anywhere.

This comes in the same week that Apple has announced a new iTunes Match service, allowing consumers to download a copy of a song on one device and have it available on all their devices.

Both services have more to do with locking consumers into a particular operating system and device through a passion area – music – than it has with a desire to bring more music to the masses.

Social media and TV united with Zeebox

Following on from last weeks post about how social media and TV work together, we have spotted a new app launched last week that brilliantly brings the two together. It is available here http://zeebox.com/

Zeebox is a free app for laptop or iPad, for use while watching TV. It takes advantage of the dual screen phenomenon. This was recently brought to life by a YouGov survey which showed 76% of viewers used the internet, a games console or listened to the radio while watching television - up from 58% in the previous year. It also suggested 43% of British adults commented on or discussed TV shows they were watching using Twitter, Facebook or other websites.

Zeebox gives you information about the show you are watching, what is trending, and even the ability to switch over friends internet enabled TV.

More excitingly are the potential advantages for advertisers. We can foresee a use whereby a company which advertises during a show can be tagged, allowing viewers to click through to a website and purchase products in a simple click, cutting out the need to use search engines or type URL’s.

Anything that cuts the customer journey from exposure to order is to be applauded.

The ability to measure real consumer action is also fascinating. Following a company’s ad, product placement or mention, direct consumer click-throughs can be measured.

The app is new, so exact uses and functionality is still to be developed, but as a first step towards formalising the connection between social media and TV it certainly is an intriguing start.

Using Social Media to Capitalise on TV

Last week our Media Director Elliot Parkus wrote an article for MediaTel discussing his views on how best to harness the power of appointment to view TV shows with social media.

For those that missed it, the piece is available here;

http://mediatel.co.uk/newsline/2011/10/26/tv-is-alive-a-kicking-you-just-need-to-join-the-conversation/