Free music from Google…in China
Google is trying to increase it’s poor market share in China by offering free legal downloads of licensed songs. According to the Reuters report, Google’s main Chinese competitor, Baidu, is facing lawsuits for allowing copyright infringement through downloading unlicensed songs.
The new service from Google will allow Chinese internet users to search thousands of Chinese artists and songs, which can then be downloaded from Top100.cn.
Estimates from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (think international RIAA) estimate that pirated files are currently more than 99-percent of all files downloaded in China. In a country that recently released numbers putting it at the highest number of internet users in the world, that’s pretty big.
It’s cool that Google is trying to raise its market share by offering free music downloads, but it would be cool if they could do it in the U.S. as well. Sure, we’re not behind the Great Firewall, but doesn’t the rest of the world deserve free music downloads? Of course, as you would expect, Google will also place ads on the service which will have the revenue shared between Top100.cn and its music partners.
Read [Reuters]
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Google all geared up to pounce Baidu in China
Local search engine Baidu is the dominant market leader in China; much to the disappointment of global Web search giant Google. Its mastery of China and its cryptic language are its inherent strengths against foreign competitors.
After years of trying, Google has finally discovered a chink in the armor of this mighty adversary – search service for free and unlicensed music downloads. Google is now negotiating with a Chinese online music company for a possible tie-up on free and legal music downloads. There are also rumors that it will provide free access from three global music companies. If all goes well, this service is expected to commence in a few weeks.
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