Google strives for world domination with free music

Source: SMH

It may be surprising to most non-China based peeps to hear that Google doesn’t dominate search in China, Baidu does.

In a bid to increase their popularity, they are now offering music online – with free downloads of licenced songs.  Artists signed by the big four – EMI, Sony, Warner and Universal will have their music available on Google’s new music service.

China’s Music Piracy

Music piracy is a major concern in China and Google are hoping to attract users away from piracy, with far better quality music offerings.

IFPI said last year that more than 99 percent of all music files distributed in China are pirated, and the country’s total legitimate music market, at $US76 million ($112 million), accounts for less than 1 percent of global recorded music sales.

Less than 1% of global music sales.  That’s not an encouraging figure for artists, given China boasts the worlds lastest online user community.

Not for Aussies

Of course, this new music service won’t apply for us.  We’ll have to stick with iTunes