Google has officially entered the online music market with OneBox. It’s a new service for finding and buying music that w ill allow users to find songs via the search technology. Unlike iTunes which lets you listen to half the songs to decide whether or not you would like to purchase it, a music search on OneBox allows users to listen to the entire song, so that they can make a better purchasing decision. Finally! Someone is thinking about the end user experience.
Who wants to buy a song so that everybody else can use it? Most of us don’t. Google OneBox is targeting those of us Internet users who only want that one song, without the haggle and inconvenience. OneBox is currently only available in the US and allows users to search using song titles, artists, or snippets of lyrics and will also stream tracks that are sought after. Check out the video below.
Because OneBox is an alliance with Lala and MySpace-owned iLike, it provides users with the added benefit of purchasing MP3 tracks, view highlighted music videos and other music related information, such as upcoming concerts by artists, with the MySpace box, while a pop-up widget powered by iLike or Lala offers to play the entire song.
The simple fact that Google has entered the digital music market is an indication that the market is booming. In 2005, the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) estimated 6% of record industry sales were digital, worth $790m. This growth means only one thing, that is, music entertainment is an important part of our lives. The ability to make copies and listen to songs anywhere, when we want to, on the device of our chosing makes listening to music an even richer experience.
2 responses so far ↓
laurenv813 // November 10, 2009 at 4:06 am |
Google is really trying to increase its brand equity and challenge both Apple and Facebook in the same year. With its OneBox and Wave applications it seems like Google is trying to solidify its dominance of the internet.
Music sharing and the MP3 market are definitely booming. I cannot remember the last time I purchased a full-length CD. LaLa is a great partnership for Google. Do you think they will buy out LaLa similar to what they did to YouTube?
personamediagroup // November 15, 2009 at 1:25 pm |
This is good to know. I download music and I have not bought a complete Lp in many years. This is a good move for Google and it not only strengthens its brand equity but it contributes to its brand salience.