The Google I/O conference is going on this week. First off, I wish I could have been there. Not just for the free Samsung Galaxy tab (I like this headline best.) but because it’s an awesome conference (so I’ve heard), and because of all the great news coming out of it. One of the headlines that really grabbed my attention was about Google Music.
Part of what intrigues me so much is that I think it is a great idea. I thought the Amazon Cloud Player was a great idea too….basically anything taking advantage of “the cloud” and mobility is a great idea. But what I really want to know is when Google and Amazon are going to merge or at least partner to some of their ventures.
Amazon sells books online, then Google starts selling books online
Amazon launches a cloud player, then Google launches a cloud player
Amazon starts streaming movies and TV, Google owns Hulu
As far as ‘media’ goes, these two should just merge and destroy Apple and Microsoft. The Kindle has the e-reader market locked up for now and while Google books is trying to take some of that steam away from them and lend it to the Nook and Ipad, they should really be partnering to strengthen the Kindle’s capacity. Better yet, load some Android software onto the next gen Kindle and make it a force to be reckoned with! (I already read my kindle books on my Android phone!)
As for the cloud player, they are all competing with iTunes (which I boycott – full disclosure) and neither product is going to (or has) blow away users with a completely refined and fulfilling product.
In my mind, they should have, or could still, join forces and create a monster of a product(s). Think of a cloud player taking advantage of Google’s innovation and technology combined with Amazons amazing music store. Make this standard on ALL android devices (tablets and cell phones) and you automatically take a lead in the market share. Apple wouldn’t be able to compete, they would be relegated to selling strictly to hipsters and Microsoft isn’t even in the picture.
This is a win-win for both companies. Android blows up even further dominating the mobile and tablet market with a powerhouse music service and the Amazon store keeps selling with more and more outlets to push their store. Is there a downside to this for either company? Let me know what you think about either product or this dream merger.
To request an invite to use the Google music player, click here.
