Google adds music to search in MySpace deal

by Jennifer Whitehead, Brand Republic 29-Oct-09, 09:35

LONDON - Google has signed a deal with MySpace and online music player Lala to add music to its search results starting in the US today.

Music-related search results will present links to songs which when clicked will bring up pop-up players supplied by Google's new partners.

The MySpace pop-up player will have information on tour dates, links to videos and digital downloads, as well as a button for music and ticket sales.

Google said that the initiative was part of its aim to cut the "time to result" -- which is how it terms the number of clicks and keyword adjustments a user makes before finding what they are looking for.

It will also work if a user only knows a line or two of the lyrics of a song and wants to look it up.

Music sites Pandora, imeem and Rhapsody will benefit from links to their sites based on suggestions of music a user might like based on their query.

Music will be streamed from independent record labels as well as the four majors: EMI, Sony BMG, Universal Music and Warner Music.

The feature has been made possible following MySpace's acquisition of iLike last month, in a deal reportedly worth $20m (£12.2m).

The deal comes as MySpace shifts its strategy away from competing with Facebook to focus on developing as a community for music and entertainment lovers.

Courtney Holt, president of MySpace Music, said: "We believe the future of MySpace includes enabling the socialization of content not only on MySpace but also on other websites. Working with partners like Google is an important part of this strategy, and we have plenty of other opportunities ahead of us."