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The Webernets

GOOGLE GOES TO THE CLOUD

 Tuesday, May 10th, 2011 at 1:30pm by

Google MusicHere’s industry pundit Bob Leftsetz on brick and mortar retail stores:

They sell souvenirs.  It’s about the packaging more than the music. … Vinyl does sound better, but the future is better digital files, not an antiquated system.

BAM, nailed it.

With that in mind, let’s shift the attention once again to all-you-can-eat streaming services. Google took a step in that direction today, following Amazon’s lead, by announcing their own cloud service, Google Music Beta. Google Music Beta will allow users to upload music to a “personal storage locker” and to stream it from any PC or Android device. Like the Amazon Cloud, there’s a limit — users are limited to uploading 20,000 songs – and like Amazon Cloud, Google has not asked for rights from content copyright holders (record labels and publishers), arguing (rightly so, IMO) that playing one’s personal music collection for oneself does not require licensing rights like terrestrial or online radio services do.

Google is in a much better position than Amazon to break this technology through to the mainstream. Although they don’t have the built-in music store — a big tilt in Amazon’s favor — they do have the world’s #1 search engine, a widely-used email platform and YouTube, all of which they can use to leverage and integrate Google Music Beta. And they’ve had a music service in the rumor mill for years now… it’s only a matter of time.

Imagine it, people: the ability to stream any track EVER from anywhere, any time you want, in high quality. It’s coming. Are you ready to ditch your flimsy physical “souvenirs”?

-VN

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  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Colin-Frazier/100002182298476 Colin Frazier

    I dunno if I’m really ready to give up my physical copies but it’ll be sweet to play my entire library through my phone. When is this supposed to come out?

  • Brian

    To answer your question Vince: No

    Am I the only one who doesn’t really care about this? MANY many people own some kind of MP3 Player already, which means they already have headphones and speakers in the place they listen top music )work, home, car, etc.). And for those looking to stream it to their phones, the MP3 player is going to be better quality since you are dependent on a 3G network, which tends to unreliable for the most part.

    So, will somebody please explain to me why having all of my music on some company’s server so that they can do research on me (and I can also potentially be hacked) is better than my iPod?

    • Brian

      *listen to music (work, home, car, etc.)

      **better quality since you aren’t dependent

      Damn typos.

      • Strapping Young Lad

        you’re still going to have you’re IPOD. He’s not asking you to throw it away.

        • pissmouth

          if he did, though, would you?

    • Alex_P

      Yeah, I feel the same way. Almost every album I have heard that I consider worth relistening to is already on my iPod (as well as a few headed towards the recycle bin). When the iPod eventually fills up, it just means I’ll need to clear some space.

    • SP420

      It doesn’t matter. It’s convenience. The person who’s actually technologically-savvy is not who this is geared toward. Google’s a company; they’re making something that the masses will willingly buy into. This is a lot easier than carrying two devices around.

      Don’t get me wrong, I’m in the same camp as you and hate all this cloud bullshit nonsense. Outside of a corporate setting, cloud-based computing can suck it as it’s provided nothing innovative to the consumer.

    • http://www.nocleansinging.com Islander

      I think you nailed it. I just don’t see the advantage of streaming from a remote server when I carry my iPod at all times. I suppose there might be some advantage to the cloud from a costless file-storage and redundancy standpoint, but with massive hard-drive capacity on desktops and laptops and a multitude of other file back-up options, this development is pretty uninteresting to me.

      On the other hand, SP420 is also right — this “innovation” isn’t geared toward the people on this mini comment string.

      • http://www.metalsucks.net Vince Neilstein

        You guys are all missing the point… sure, you’ve got all your music set now, but as NEW music comes out what if you could download it one time and have it instantly available to you everywhere, whether your ipod’s with you or not? The process would be: Step 1) Download from [future Google Music service] to Google Cloud. That’s it, one step. No downloading, unpacking, copying to ipod (or other device), etc. With the added bonus of not having to carry around an additional device with you.

        • Trux

          I`m still not very interested….. sorry Vince, I`m with the dudes who posted above.

        • Chris

          People are afraid of change its only natural to reject it at first

  • Betelgeuse

    I wonder how much Google and Amazon are paying MetalSucks to keep pushing this bullshit.

    • Kuranes

      Why is this bullshit?

      • Betelgeuse

        A better question would be why isn’t it?

        • http://www.facebook.com/people/Jeremy-Webster/100000619063660 Jeremy Webster

          Nope, not a better question.

          • Betelgeuse

            Yep. Much better.

          • Municipal Waste

            because when a server goes down… which NEVER happens right?…. you lose your tunes.

            owning cd/vinyl/cassettes ensures you always have what you pay for. unless your some rich little shit who can take a grand out of mommy & daddys bank account whenever you like.

          • Kuranes

            It’s like I’m swimming in a sea of retarded.

            You can still own physical copies of your music, jackass. Why not have the option to upload, without cost, all your music to the cloud so that you can listen to it from any PC in the world or your phone?

            I’m sure some people in Mississippi whose houses are now underwater “lost their tunes”. Physical media can be lost, stolen or destroyed. And Google’s not some fly-by-night startup that is likely to lose data “when a server goes down”… They have multiple, redundant backups of all user data they store.

          • http://www.facebook.com/people/Jeremy-Webster/100000619063660 Jeremy Webster

            Yeah, we’ve either got physical or digital copies of the stuff we’ve got. It’s not like you can’t put the file on your computer or something.

            There’s nothing wrong with being traditionalist. Be happy, because the industry’s tech is shifting they’re making CDs and Vinyl REALLY special things to own with lots of bonuses now! They’re making the “experience” of physical product even more of an experience to satisfy that market aspect.

          • Adam

            Kuranes – I’m pretty certain that if a CD gets wet, you can just dry it off and it’ll play fine. And what happens when your phone dies from all the music streaming you’re doing with it? Then you can’t use it for its #1 purpose – communication.

            Jeremy Webster – Dude thats a really great way of looking at the situation! I never would have looked at it like that, thank you!

    • http://thenumberoftheblog.com/ groverXIII

      You honestly think Google and Amazon are paying MS to post about this? It’s musically relevant tech news, you imbecile. They’re not paying anyone to post about it.

      • Betelgeuse

        Believe that bullshit if you want to.

        • Bread

          google dont need to pay anyone to do shit
          they’re the biggest technology company in the world

          • Betelgeuse

            …….so they use some sort of technological mind control (or something) to get what they want done? Or are you trying to insinuate that there’s some kind of organized crime connection……..?

          • http://thenumberoftheblog.com/ groverXIII

            @Betelgeuse: I think the insinuation here is that you’re a paranoid idiot…

          • Betelgeuse

            Sooooooooo……that would make you the dupable naive “idiot” then?

            “Just because you’re not paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not after you”, you “imbecile”.

          • http://thenumberoftheblog.com/ groverXIII

            I can see that I’m arguing with a brick wall here, so I’ll leave you to your tinfoil hat.

        • Betelgeuse

          Well, that would obviously call into question the depth and accuracy of your perception skills………..if you really believe brick walls can (or could) “argue”. Not to mention what that says about the state of your mental health. I’d take a “tinfoil hat” over uncontrolled delusions (or non drug induced waking hallucinations) any day.

          You crazy, brah?

  • Bjorn of Osiris

    Anywhere? Or just places with wi-fi?

    • huntermc

      Anywhere you can get a decent internet connection.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Jeremy-Webster/100000619063660 Jeremy Webster

    My wife’s got Amazon’s cloud service and loves it.

    • ram-paige

      it’s still a dumb idea, whether your wife likes it or not.

      • http://www.facebook.com/people/Jeremy-Webster/100000619063660 Jeremy Webster

        Correction: it is your OPINION that it’s a dumb idea. But if you like that opinion, keep on truckin’!

        • srsly

          Oh man thanks for reminding us that his statement was his opinion. I wasn’t totally clear whose opinion it was.

  • builtforsin

    1. I own 100s of vinyl, but I have never paid for an mp3 in my life, and I will not till they release .wav versions (which you know, is not an mp3). Fuck you, I can tell a difference.

    2. Link to the fucking source http://music.google.com/about/

    • Kye

      Your first point fucking nailed it.

      I don’t care what anyone else can or can’t hear, the fact of the matter is that music would still be available in a lower quality if we made lossless the standard (ask Bandcamp), thus there is NO reason that I should have to compromise what I want to hear because other people don’t want bigger files.

      Until that becomes the general mindset, I’m sticking with CD’s.

      • huntermc

        The other problem with these cloud services (and correct me if I’m wrong) is that even if you rip them at 320kpbs and upload them, they’re still going to be streamed back to you at a lower bitrate to conserve bandwidth.

    • msv81

      So those 100s of vinyl records must sound REALLY good when you’re in the car on a long road trip or even on the way to work, right? And I’m jealous of how convenient it must be for you to carry those giant cases around from house to house when you’re going to hang out with friends. Does EVERYONE you know own a record player, too?

      A big part of what you’re hearing when you listen to WAV vs. MP3 has to do with your own preconceptions about lossy formats sounding “shitty” or whatever. I’d love to see you consistently choose which files are WAV and which are MP3 in blind ABX test because it’s been shown many times over that most people CAN’T hear an audible difference between 320k and FLAC/WAV and that any difference a person claims to hear is a product of the imagination.

      • Kye

        And I’d love for more people to get that the point isn’t whether or not we actually can hear a difference, it’s that there’s no reason not to allow us to have music in a lossless format. The solution isn’t to convince us we’re wrong, it’s to realize that there’s a solution that makes everyone happy.

      • Adam

        uh oh. its the scientist again. havent you already admitted on metalsucks before that you have some significant hearing loss msv81? so how the fuck would you know if someone without your hearing loss could hear the difference? i have recently had my hearing tested and can hear up into the 21khz range according to the lady who gave me the test. ive also taken your comparison test blind, just like youve described before. you know what? i can hear the difference. its your fault that you cant if you didnt protect your hearing. so fuck this bullshit you keep saying about how the better sound quality is all in our heads. im telling you its not.

        • msv81

          I never claimed it as being impossible for anybody to hear a difference between lossless and lossy files. But any difference heard is at best miniscule and at worst non-existent; if you really want to assert that there’s a huge or significant audible difference, then it’s YOU who’s full of shit. Simply put, if there WERE in fact a significant, consistent difference then the results of the blind abx tests would be exactly the opposite of what has been shown countless times over – i.e. MOST people would hear a difference as opposed to MOST people NOT hearing a difference.

          And, good for you that you have such great hearing. Guess what? Just like most people haven’t experienced the type of hearing loss I most likely have (not even sure how bad it really is, I just know it’s there), most people don’t have “perfect” hearing like you do.

          I said it before and I’ll say it again: if people want to collect FLAC as their digital file preference, by all means they should. The point is, people who consider themselves “purists” or “audiophiles” make far too much of a fuss over a difference that’s either small or not there at all. I’m not disputing that the sound quality of lossless isn’t better than lossy; obviously 1,200 kbps > 320 kbps. Nor am I denying the possibility of some individuals having an ability to differentiate between the two, so calm down.

          • Adam

            i never said the there was a HUGE difference. but its there. sorry. anything missing from my music is significant to me. so dont try to tell me whats missing is miniscule or non-existent. not to mention that its possible that frequencies we cant hear can have an effect on the ones we can. all im saying is that you saying this stuff dosent matter is bullshit. these differences do matter to anyone who loves music.

  • Deanmachine

    This is the first step on attempting to stop all piracy. Eventually, the consumer will no longer to be able to buy a physical drive at all. EVERYTHING will be in the “cloud” one day – even your DNA structure. what me paranoid….???

    • Betelgeuse

      Imagine no possessions
      I wonder if you can
      no need for greed or hunger
      a brotherhood of man
      imagine all the people
      sharing all the world……..

      ….But then
      reality comes crashing in
      under the corporations
      crushing hand
      we all live
      for them now
      in slavery
      without end

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Cleber-Monteiro/100000392246968 Cleber Monteiro

    I rather keep my big pile of cds,thank you.

    • Deanmachine

      Yep, there is nothing like having the disk with all the artwork and lyrics. fuck looking it up online. I paid for it, I want it in hand.

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Noel-Newport/22903581 Noel Newport

      Exactly there is a whole aesthetic relationship between the art and the music that makes the experience of an album complete. Without both of those toegether it just feels shallow. I know I’m speaking on subjective terms, however I feel that people who settle for just MP3′s and a digital swatch of the album artwork aren’t really listening to music that they max out thier credit cards for. Way to go MS for supporting something that will someday end up erasing a piece of our culture.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Mike-Long/100000144612811 Mike Long

    Will this be a way to back up your music library? That would be the only reason I would use it.

    • ryung

      It could be but I would recommend a decent hard drive. This cloud shit is expensive and from what i saw of the amazon one they charge you yearly for storage. Buy a hard drive spend a one time fee and have your music with you

  • dave

    its a new era in free culture if you ask me.

    i mean, whats to stop someone from sharing their cloud account info with everyone? the RIAA better hire some more lawyers, ha.

  • Cpt. Howdy

    I’m just worried about some sort of musical imperialism…It seems to me that music tastes are getting more streamlined instead of expanding, but I”ve been wrong before.

    • Frank’s Beard

      Depends on who you associate with. Not sure exactly what you mean by imperialism. But I’m assuming you are referring to the vast majority of opinionated folks who post on this site and argue over what bands are good or not.

      Most of the musical people I hang out with have a very broad range of tastes and change from time to time. True most media consumers are narrow minded in their tastes, and that seems to be the norm but it’s not really something to be worried about. I’ve noticed that those who have broad tastes just don’t bother taking the time to post their opinions and get into arguments with other people. We’re too busy enjoying our own music to berate you for liking yours.

      But welcome to the internet. A place where anybody with an opinion can get heard, and more often than not it is the imperialist mindset you were referring to that speaks loudest.

      • Cpt. Howdy

        Well….It made sense at the time. Thanks for the thoughts.

  • Etzell

    Is no one afraid of the VERY real impending bandwidth caps?
    http://gigaom.com/video/att-bandwidth-cap-netflix/

    Yeah, it’s a high number… but the quicker we accept this, the harder they get to put our collective balls (and wallets) in vices. We move more shit to the glorious cloud, we pay more and more for the rights to use it.

    That’s the real downside I see to this cloud stuff.

  • http://thenumberoftheblog.com/ groverXIII

    As cool as this is, it’s almost easier to just set up a music server like SubSonic and stream everything from your home PC. This of course assumes you have a decent connection, but given that my music collection is over 2 GB now, it’s pretty unlikely that I’m going to find sufficient storage space in the cloud.

    You do have to pay for the SubSonic mobile app, but if you want access to your entire collection on the go, it’s probably worth your while.

  • Anthony

    “Imagine it, people: the ability to stream any track EVER from anywhere, any time you want, in high quality. It’s coming. Are you ready to ditch your flimsy physical “souvenirs”?”

    Or I can just plug my Ipod in and open up Itunes and play it that way if I don’t have my own computer/hard drive on me.

    That being said, I could still get into the cloud service, either from Google or Amazon. Only problem is bandwidth issues, especially in Canada, where streaming one’s on music off of the internet (which is what the cloud service essentially is), as well as uploading 5-20 GB worth does all add up to the rest of the stuff i’m doing on the internet (like porn).

    The point is, Google should enter the portable digital player device to compete with Apple. Shouldn’t be that hard.

  • Pastor of Muppets

    I appreciate innovation as much as the next guy, but so long as I am paying for my music (read: supporting musicians that I dig) I expct something I can see and feel in return. I love my iPod to death, but it’s still nice to know that everything on there is also on my shelf, ready for action whether my computer is or not.

  • Sigivald

    Vinyl does sound better

    Yeah, if you’re over 40 or brainwashed into thinking so.

    It sounds different, yeah. Especially after a few plays in the real world, with the hiss and crackle.

    But better? Spare us, thanks.

    (PS. Yes, I’m pretty old. And I own vinyl, much of which I purchased new, and a turntable. And I think he’s completely wrong.)

    (On the other hand, streaming is fragile bullshit, just like YouTube content. Files good.)

    • Cpt. Howdy

      Some albums just sound right on their original medium. Like it doesn’t make sense to buy an album that came out last week on vinyl, it doesn’t really make sense to me to listen to, say, the Beatles, on some digital remastering. The original format, in the way the artist wrote it, is the best way. Just my two cents.

  • huntermc

    “Vinyl does sound better, but the future is better digital files, not an antiquated system.”

    Yeah, maybe if we’re talking about a Led Zeppelin album from the 70′s compared to a 128kpbs mp3 file. But explain to me how a modern album recorded, mixed, and mastered in digital automatically sounds better when transferred to vinyl (adding in the format’s inherent pops, crackle, and hiss).

  • Poundsy

    I tried to request an invite for the beta and was told “Only available in the United States not Canada” . So much for hanging out in the cloud :(

  • CrownofWorms

    I’ll pass. Sticking with Cd’s and Vinyl and Mp3(to sample though and listen to out of print super rare albums that have no possibility of reissue). Besides I don’t need another thing that is owned by google, and I actually want to own my stuff. But some people would like it, some won’t. Alot in the metal sub-culture won’t like it, there wold be fans that would. Deal with it

  • Adam

    “Imagine it, people: the ability to stream any track EVER from anywhere, any time you want, in high quality. It’s coming. Are you ready to ditch your flimsy physical “souvenirs”?

    -VN”

    Nope, I’m definitely not going to stop buying CD’s or Vinyls. And I will still not pay for inferior quality MP3′s. I would much prefer to carry a phone and an MP3 player, and use them separately due to battery issues. I’m sure “the cloud” will be fun and convenient to use SOMETIMES, but definitely not all the time. Its definitely not the same experience. Case in point – Obscura’s new album. The artwork and layout are fantastic! Other great points: The new TBDM bundle, the “Crack the Skye” box, Tool’s “10,000 Days” packaging, etc. I’m sure I’m missing tons of great albums with awesome packaging, but hopefully I got a point across.

  • jason rph

    I like music tunes.

    • Pastor of Muppets

      Mmmyep, I reckon I like ‘dem french-fried ‘taters.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Dan-Roshin-Wolfson/557092638 Dan Roshin Wolfson

    just torrent shit

    • 6810

      this…

      but then torrents really are yesterday, since between google and mediafire all you need is extraction software.

      • sha

        Yeah who needs torrents. You wanna get tracked the RIAA or whomever its you’re perogative. Just the other day, some government bullshit office sued 20,000 downloaders of The Expendables on a torrent site. These fuckers are heartless and ruthless.

  • Adam

    I can see this becoming the norm… but not right away.

    Vince, yes obviously in time we’re going to look back and think that owning CDs was silly, but anytime new technology like this comes along, the adoption rate is gradual.

    I’m not ready to give up my ipod yet, especially since it works anywhere and doesn’t require an internet connection (especially 3G). I’m used to 2 devices, so for now it’s no sweat off my back to keep using both. Especially since both are pretty damn small anyways.

    If I had to carry a laptop around with me to listen to my music on the go, that would be different. But an ipod that weighs just ounces and fits my entire music and podcast collection? It’s still far too convenient. And yeah, I really don’t like the idea of relying on an internet connection and external server. What if I go camping or on a flight where I can’t use my cellphone really?

    Maybe in 5 years… but not yet.