Internet search giant Google is taking a major step forward in its expected bid to rival Apple’s iTunes.
Google is believed to be actively testing “Google Music” internally, a clear indication to tech and music industry analysts that a new service announcement is imminent.
Tips from employees inside Google confirm that a new service is actively being “tinkered with.”
The latest buzz seems to confirm the validity of what CNET calls a major accidental discovery earlier this month.
Two weeks ago someone writing at the XDA Developers forum claimed to have accidentally discovered Google Music after installing the Honeycomb version of the Android operating system on a phone. Turns out, that was indeed a working version of the service, the music industry insiders said, adding, however, that the final version could be much different.
Google Music is widely expected to be a streaming music service that enables users to access their content from any and all connected devices.
Sources inside the music industry say Google would have likely introduced the service long ago if not for the negotiations that reportedly continue between the internet behemoth and top record labels.
The music industry, however, is more than eager for an iTunes rival to enter the market. According to CNET, the prospect of an iTunes competitor of Google’s caliber “has music industry executives giddy.”
