Google Music rumours grow

The rumours around Google’s proposed music service continue to grow, with suggestions that it could launch in time for Christmas.

The New York Post is reporting that the company is in what it is calling “accelerated” talks with the Harry Fox Agency in the US to secure a mechanical licence for music publishers.

Android VP Andy Rubin is said to be leading the negotiations, which suggests that mobile will be a core focus of Google’s music offering.

“That Google’s Rubin is now speaking to the Harry Fox Agency is a sure sign that talks with record labels have gone smoothly enough for Google to move to the next level,” reports the New York Post.

It has previously been suggested that Google is planning an à la carte download service initially, to be followed by a cloud-based streaming music service early next year.

Last week the company appointed Elizabeth Moody, a US lawyer specialising in digital music deals.

Source: Music Week