Kiss goodbye to your data allowance and prepare for the listenfest (is that a real word? Bah – Who cares!) that is Google Play Music All Access.
Signing in for first time
The service that launched at first in the US has made its way across the pond and now takes in the UK as well as several other European countries so now we can all revel in the unlimited streaming of Google’s selection of over 20 million tunes.
Having had a brief look I can confirm that the service is being charged at £7.99 per month with the first month free. It needs to be activated on a computer before you can use it on a mobile.
Radio option in menu
Once activated a new option appears on Play Music, that being Radio where a list of your personalised stations based on your music and your listening history and recommendations appears. You can then browse the upcoming tunes and swipe away the ones you have no wish to listen to.
Another rather useful addition is the ability to add tracks that you do not own to your own library for the delectation of your aural abilities at a later time.
Create a new station
The addition of All Access could be bad news for services such as Spotify, Deezer and Last.FM particularly at the price point that Google are currently offering, whether or not the competition chooses to respond and in which manner remains to be seen.
One caveat that was alluded to in the opening paragraph is the effect that this will have on data allowances. There are some with unlimited data plans however some of these specifically exclude streaming whilst others don’t. Those currently on a 4G data plan could well be hard pressed to stay within their limits and it would be advisable to check as music streaming can account for massive amounts of data use.
The addition of Play Music All Access combined with the recent release of television shows to Google Play could signify the imminent release of Chromecast on these shores. We will be keeping our eyes peeled for that one!
It uses loads…even on normal quality
If data is not a concern for you, fire up Google Music, select your station, kick back and relax. The musical world is now your oyster!
I must admit I just don’t get “radio” services.
Spotify & streaming services where you make libraries & playlists sure, but not one where you don’t have control.
Sorry, is this just streaming, or streaming & Download/Offline availability?
I currently use Deezer (£10/m with offline ability) across 4 devices (2 phones & an MP3/4 player and a tablet), so if the music choice is comparible/better – my unlimited GiffGaff connection will be busy….
Streaming and offline caching capability. As it stands it looks a better deal than Spotify or deezer But only time will tell.