Google's Spotify Rival Is Here

Google today announced its Spotify competitor, although we have to say that when it comes to names, Spotify has the edge: Google's service is called Google Play Music All Access, VentureBeat reports. The streaming music service is available today for $9.99 a month, after a free 30-day trial. A Google employee at the Google I/O developer conference in San Francisco where the product was announced called it "radio without rules." Like Pandora, it will allow users to create radio stations based on any song; unlike Pandora, it will let you skip as many songs as you want, and will revise its offerings based on the songs you reject.

USA Today lists more features: Users can see what songs are coming up next and re-order playlists, search for and listen to specific music, or explore music based on new or featured content, their own listening preferences, or genres. The service works on Web browsers, tablets, and smartphones. Google also announced Google Play for Education today, Engadget reports. The new storefront will make it easier for educators and students to find age- and subject-specific applications and books that have been curated by educators. In related news, the Wall Street Journal reports that Google shares topped $900 today for the first time. (More Google stories.)