Google will not launch a second music subscription service this year, people familiar with the matter told AllThingsD, as the company is not happy with the final product, which is now expected to arrive at some point in the first quarter of 2014. Not too long ago, code traces found in the Android YouTube app hinted that a YouTube music subscription service would be launched later this year, but it appears that Google decided only recently to postpone the launch.
Apparently Google already has the licenses it needs from music companies to launch the service, but it hasn’t figured out how to integrate user-generated content with recordings and videos from artists. YouTube has not confirmed that a music subscription service is in the works. “We’re always working on new and better ways for people to enjoy YouTube content across all screens, and on giving partners more opportunities to reach their fans,” a YouTube spokesperson said. “However, we have nothing to announce at this time.”
Google already has a music subscription in place, Google Play Music All Access, which offers users unlimited streaming on computers and mobile devices for $10 per month.
