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Analyst: ‘Google Tunes’ could be next iTunes competitor
Google may be looking to launch a digital music store that would compete with Apple’s iTunes, according to one Wall Street analyst. Robert Peck of Bear Stearns predicts that the search engine giant will roll out such a service within the next six months.
“We believe that Google is in the midst of creating its own iTunes competitor, which we’ve dubbed ‘Google Tunes.’ We think this is a logical step, now that the nascent Google Video product has been introduced,” Peck wrote in a research note sent to clients Thursday. “We would expect Google to rollout a Beta service within 3 to 6 months. We note that Google has not confirmed our expectations, and that our thinking is based on Mosaic theory. However, we do think this fits with Google’s recent moves and its ultimate goal of organizing the world’s information.”
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1
Google could also be rolling out a apple pie delivery service. Google Pie. I’ll file this under the mosaic theory, because I interpret the mosaic theory to include almost everything.
Posted by Ash Jizzle on January 26, 2006 at 3:42 PM (PST)
2
I can’t wait! Google Video Beta has been such a success!
Well, Google Video Beta v2 IS light years ahead… of Google Video Beta 1.
And all the videos are compatible… if you run Windows.
And they’re all high quality… if you watch on a 2” screen.
Posted by ziggybop on January 26, 2006 at 4:48 PM (PST)
3
Yeah, if Google Video is any indication of what Google Tunes will be like, Apple need not fear.
I’m starting to wonder about Google…
Posted by bipto in Minneapolis, MN on January 26, 2006 at 5:40 PM (PST)
4
I think it will happen if not soon. It’s very possible
Posted by Jonathan Keim on January 26, 2006 at 5:46 PM (PST)
5
Google is starting to s**k worse than MS.
Posted by The Raven in USA on January 26, 2006 at 7:37 PM (PST)
6
Organizing is one thing… selling is another
Posted by canadahauntsme on January 26, 2006 at 8:00 PM (PST)
7
WOW! Is there anything that Google wont try to take over. I personally like Google’s search engine, but from personally they hold down the end user when submitted a site to post on their search engine. They have sunk it in the groud and xed it from Google for no reason what so ever. I use itunes and love it, but i think that Google will make it a little better.
Posted by Tensecondreams1 on January 26, 2006 at 8:02 PM (PST)
8
iTunes vs. gTunes… hmmm… lol
Posted by Danny on January 26, 2006 at 8:57 PM (PST)
9
I like google products (observe the Gmail adress) cant apple and google just get along?
But more importently, if they join forces they could CRUSHH MICROSOFT!! MOHAHA!
Posted by Peachey on January 27, 2006 at 3:06 AM (PST)
10
What has made Google a success in other areas of the internet doesn’t translate well here. Google has been successful because they give stuff away to the end user for FREE. They make their money on advertising. It’s kinda like your local TV or Radio station broadcast - if you can sit through the commercials, then it’s free.
I don’t know how you could make digital music downloads a free service supported by advertising. The business model just doesn’t work. And to roll it out like Google Video would be laughable. Sure, there is some free stuff, but the pricing for the good stuff is all over the board, and people look at it, shrug after not being able to find what they want, and leave, never to return.
I just don’t see Google being a credible competitor. Everyone out there keeps forgetting that it’s iPod + iTunes that makes the Apple system work so well. They’re as easy to use for music as AOL is for internet noobs. And that sells.
Posted by Uncle Miltie on January 27, 2006 at 6:43 AM (PST)
11
“Google Tunes is the Best!”
“True Dat”
“Double True”
It just doesn’t sound right…
Posted by asicola on January 27, 2006 at 1:03 PM (PST)
12
I don’t care if Google Tunes sucks, I still love google for giving a big fat finger to the man.
Posted by Munkey on January 27, 2006 at 4:26 PM (PST)
13
I just enjoyed two 24oz. Budweiser Beers!
Posted by TripleG on January 27, 2006 at 11:24 PM (PST)
14
Regardless of how this “potential” program “might” work, Google is still the most powerful tool with regards to the internet. MOST POWERFUL. Need a source? Your trusty site iLounge has Ads by Google right next to the little box I am currently typing in.
So I think everything from now on for Google is just icing on the cake. Like Microsoft, they don’t have as much hunger because they are already so powerful. Its a shame companies get like this…
Posted by Jegero on January 29, 2006 at 8:48 PM (PST)
15
Google - Evil, but in a helpful sort of way.
Posted by Obadiah on January 30, 2006 at 11:13 AM (PST)
16
has any1 else noticed that on the video.google that the nba games are $3.95, but they include commercials, i dont know about u, but if i’m gonna buy something for my ipod/pvp, i want the dang thang commercial free. dont believe me, check out the lenght of the nba games, same as if u sat and watched on tv ...
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5008537207269216405&q=nba
this one even show the commercial at the beginning, if ppl complain about paying for espn commercials, sum1 gotta say sumthin bout that
Posted by roachy on January 30, 2006 at 10:10 PM (PST)
17
All of this competition and intellectual inventiveness will push Apple to continue to innovate (I hope, I hope).
Posted by Chris G on February 1, 2006 at 7:01 AM (PST)