Google Music is key for Android to overtake iOS

We knew that Google planned to introduce a music service alongside the next version of Android, but reports suggest this will include more than just selling tracks in the Android Market. "Google Music" could be a key component in helping Android dominate iOS and the other smartphone platforms.

A Reuters article said the search giant is negotiating deals with music labels for downloadable tracks and a "digital song locker." What's more, the labels are actually rooting for an iTunes competitor, as this store is now the largest seller of music, which gives Apple more control than the labels like.

"Finally here's an entity with the reach, resources and wherewithal to take on iTunes as a formidable competitor by tying it into search and Android mobile platform," an unidentified label executive told Reuters. "What you'll have is a very powerful player in the market that's good for the music business."

The music industry bungled the transition to digital media, so I don't really care how happy execs are that there's an iTunes competitor looming, but I am happy to see some competition in the mobile media space. As I mentioned the other day, the iTunes ecosystem is a major advantage Apple has over smartphone platforms but Google Music could be boost Android in a much-needed category.

Android has greatly improved in the two years since it was released but it still lags behind iOS devices when it comes to multimedia. Sure, you can add apps like Rdio or TuneWiki to augment the experience but the standard Android multimedia experience is pretty lame.

That could change with Google Music though, as I'd expect it to launch with a new version of Android that has a revamped multimedia player. Buying and downloading tracks on the go is fine - and already achievable on many Android handsets thanks to the Amazon MP3 store - but I'm really interested in the digital locker for songs and other multimedia.

We've been expecting this digital locker from Apple for most of this year but it doesn't quite seem ready to pull the trigger on a streaming iTunes service. As an online company first and foremost, it would make sense for Google to be the one to bring this type of service to the masses. We already know Google will soon let you stream your home collection to your handset, so this could give you access to your tunes anywhere.

What's more exciting about this is that Android may finally be getting a decent syncing software, but it will likely just use a Web browser and the Internet to get content to your device. Third-party providers like DoubleTwist are fine for what they are but I think Android fans would greatly appreciate an official solution for media transfer that wasn't just dragging and dropping.

Moving ahead, one could easily see Google using its YouTube knowhow to enable some sort of cloud video locker for Android handsets, which could let you stream your home collection to your phone.

Of course, these types of media services will hinge on the content owners playing ball and that could be a problem. We've already heard rumblings that Google Music could be delayed until early next year, as the search giant has yet to have a major record label sign on. These content owners will talk all day about innovation and new business models but it's tough to believe until you see the contracts signed.

Google Music has the potential to make Android one of the best smartphone operating systems out there and it could give iOS a swift kick in the pants ... until a streaming iTunes service launches, of course.

Contact Marin Perez via email or follow @Marinperez on Twitter