Billboard has reported Google’s new music network could launch by Christmas and include the capabilities for both digital downloads and a cloud-based subscription service.
The report refers to a type of “locker” where users would be able to store and access music files, downloads and stream tracks once they are purchased.
Lockers would be able to add all music files as long as the track is licensed by Google and store it all for future streaming purposes.
“Such tracks could include those purchased at the Google download store or another download retailer, tracks ripped from a CD and even music files downloaded from peer-to-peer networks,” the report states.
The report comes as Apple is reportedly developing a cloud-based platform of its own.
Patrick Stafford is a freelance journalist and a former deputy editor of SmartCompany.
