Google Planning To Launch Cloud-Based Music Service

Google is seeking to launch its own cloud-based music service, according to reports.

The search engine is said to be in talks with major record labels about a service that would include an a la carte digital download store and a subscription-based cloud.

Billboard reports that users would be charged around $25 a year to store songs in a cloud, which they could access via an internet-connected device when they want to download or stream the track.

As well as a traditional digital music store, Google users would also have the option to transfer their purchases to their cloud.

Plans are also said to be in place to incorporate social-networking features, including allowing users to send playlists to friends.

The company is also looking to launch a web-based music player and mobile app to accompany the service.

A Google music service would likely make the search engine a major rival to the dominance enjoyed by Apple's iTunes music store.