Google Music has finally dropped that nagging Beta at the end of the title and moved up to the big leagues. We’ve previously written about how Google Music can be the ultimate music synchronization solution. Clearly, this is intended as a counter to iCloud and Apple’s recent initiative into cloud music storage. The question, however, is whether Google Music can compete with Apple.
After spending some serious time in Google Music, I would say that answer is an unquestionable yes. Google Music is another quality product from the web giant. It’s a pretty typical Android product – more functionality with a slightly worse user interface. Then again, everybody’s UI looks bad when compared to Apple products.
But I digress. Google Music is out of beta and ready for use on Windows, Mac, Android and even iPhone. Here’s why you should join the party.
The Google Music Store Is Huge
Google announced that its music store, in order to more fully compete with iTunes, includes music from almost all the major record labels and a bevy of indie ones as well. That means that if you can think of a song, it’s probably available for download.
Google Music also one-ups iTunes through a renewed focus on free music. Launch users can download exclusive free tracks from Busta Rhymes (no thanks), Shakira, or some never-before-seen Rolling Stones concert tapes. The selections are… okay. They’re not to my taste, but I’m sure there are plenty of Busta Rhymes fans out there.
Your Music Is Everywhere
One of the best parts of cloud storage for your music is that worrying about transferring or updating files is over. Everything is always up to date in the cloud. You don’t have to worry about syncing your iPhone to make sure those new downloads got transferred.
This is kind of what iCloud is for. However, Google’s product surpasses iCloud just a little in that it lets you listen to your music from just about any device. Windows and Mac can both play songs from within the browser. All you need is their Manager program.
Android comes with its own app. The app, generically labeled “Music,” works exactly like you’d expect. Just pick a song from the list and Google will stream it down to you from on high.
Even better, you can actually access your Google Music library on iPhone and iPad. Just download the app gMusic for a minor charge (hey, that’s the price of using iOS) and you’re presented with all your Google songs, right there on your iPod.
The gMusic app for iOS is pretty impressive. It’s set up just like the regular Music app, but with those awesome extra, Google Music features like Instant Mixes and offline listening. Tap that little blue arrow that seems to be everywhere and you’re presented with a menu full of feature goodness.
The only issue I ran into on iOS was gMusic’s persistent refusal to play the tracks from my Band of Horses album in the correct order. Not sure why, but it was incredibly annoying. Here’s hoping they fix that bug.
It Really Works
I tried Google Music over 3G on my phone and wifi on my iPod. In both cases, playback was fairly smooth and without too many annoyances. Wifi is better, of course, but the lag with data is acceptable.
The only real network-related problem I ran into with the service was uploading. You have to upload all your songs to Google’s servers in order to stream them. This takes forever, so be sure to have something else to do during that part.
Sharing Is Caring
The service adds even more cool stuff for you persistent Google+ users. Normally you can only listen to a 90-second preview of a song in the Music Store. However, if a friend chooses to share an album they’ve bought with you, you can hear the entire song as a preview.
That’s kind of ingenious. It encourages sharing songs between friends and more importantly to Google, it encourages you to spend more time in their store. Still, it’s a good way to hear what your friends are into. Provided you’re completely unaware of all the other ways to stream music for free, of course.
Final Thoughts
Quite frankly, I can totally see myself using Google Music over iCloud. Google lets you upload your “legally downloaded” music for free. It is available on iPhone and Android. Google probably isn’t planning to stab you in the back.
I really would have liked a downloadable program to play music like you see with Spotify. That and a less obtuse iOS app would be great. However, it’s still the launch and there will be bugs. Hopefully, these features are on the way.
Bottom line is that Google Music is basically the same as iCloud, just with a few nifty extra features that cost less money. More functionality for less money sounds good to me.
Note: Google Music is currently only available in the US, but we’ll soon write a guide that’ll help international users access and use the service.
