On the eve of I/O, Google managed to finalize deals with Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment to bring a music subscription service to both YouTube and Google Play, according to a report by The Verge that is now being corroborated by The Wall Street Journal. If everything goes smoothly, a preview or launch of the new service tomorrow isn't out of the question. The Journal similarly says the streaming solution could launch "as soon as this week." That would give Google a substantial leg up over Apple, which is still in the process of negotiating contracts for its own music streaming solution.
- [Unconfirmed] Google Music Is Ready, May Be Announced Tomorrow at Google I/O
- [Rumor] Google Said To Be In Talks With Record Labels To Expand GMusic With A Spotify-Like Streaming Service
- Google Cloud Music? - Rumors Of Partnership Talks Between Spotify and Google
- Code Found In YouTube's Most Recent App Update All But Confirms Pay-To-View Channels Are Coming
The Verge, WSJ: Google Strikes Music Streaming Deal With Sony and Universal, Spotify-Like Service Imminent was written by the awesome team at Android Police.