Google launches new music search service

Internet giant Google has introduced a new search method for locating, streaming and purchasing digital downloads, the company announced yesterday. But Australian users will have to wait to get their hands on the new features, with the company not confirming any dates for an international launch.

Google vice president of search Marissa Mayar said overnight the company has formed an alliance with LaLa.com and the MySpace-owned music service iLike to create music search service “OneBox”.

“We are very excited today to be introducing a music search feature. The search results will allow you to do a whole song play to verify it is the song you are looking for.”

The ability to play a full song through the search method differs from other providers, such as Apple’s iTunes, which typically only allow 30-second samples.

Google explained in its official blog that each day “we get millions of search queries about music”, but said it wants to reduce the amount of time needed to locate a digital download source.

Now when users search for the name of a song, album or artist, a pop-up box appears that allows full songs to be streamed through the search results. Links from MySpace and LaLa.com direct users to locations where they can purchase the song in full.

Users are also provided with links to music videos and information for purchasing tickets to upcoming tours.

The companies involved, along with major music labels, are promoting the new tool as a legitimate method for downloading songs in an effort to combat piracy. iLike founder Ali Partovi said the service is “something where everyone is a winner and no one is a loser – the consumer, rights holders, artists, us, that is amazing”.

“I think this is a game-changing thing Google has done,” Wendy Nussbaum of Universal Music Group said at the product’s launch. “The key thing for us is you are leading people to legitimate sources of music. Consumers want something easy, and Google gives them that.”

Google also said it has partnered with a variety of other companies to provide suggestions to users based on their music searches. Links now appear to different sites where users can find similar music related to the original search query.

“This feature doesn’t just make search better. It also helps people discover new sources of licensed music online while helping artists to discover new generations of fans and reconnect with longtime listeners,” product manager Murali Viswanathan said.

While the feature is currently available only for US users, Mayer said at the launch the company is open to discussing content deals with international partners.