Report: Google Set To Launch Music Service Without Agreements From WMG And Sony

Finally Ready To Go

Back in FEBRUARY (NET NEWS 2/1), ALL ACCESS reported that iTUNES rules the digital music store roost, but is getting closer to having serious competition, as GOOGLE was getting closer to debuting a music service, according to multiple music industry sources. Reports have GOOGLE MUSIC launching as soon as MARCH.

Well, those reports were off by a half-year, but GOOGLE seems ready to finally launch its music service -- but they'll do it without WARNER MUSIC and SONY to start.

CNET reports, "UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP will be well represented at a press event GOOGLE has scheduled for WEDNESDAY, but conspicuously missing will be two of the other top-four record companies. GOOGLE sent invitations TODAY for a press event, to be held in LOS ANGELES, where the company is expected to add downloads to its cloud music service, as well as unveil social-networking features. CNET has learned that GOOGLE has signed a licensing agreement for the new service with UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP but does not have deals in place with SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT or WARNER MUSIC GROUP, according to multiple industry sources."

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