Songza acquisition shines through in new Google Play Music All Access update

Google Play All Access redesignThe latest update to Google Play Music All Access reflect some of the features that entered Google’s hands when it purchased Songza. The streaming platform has adopted music stations to its Listen Now page that cater to particular moods or activities. This riff on Songza’s Concierge service considers the time of day, device used for listening, and other signals to assess what your state of mind or current actions might be, then supplies the appropriate music.

Elias Roman, currently Play Music product manager and previously a Songza co-founder, spoke with The Verge about the new version of the service. He emphasized that the stations are compiled by people (likely many of the hires brought on from Songza) rather than by a computer algorithm. Many other services, from Rhapsody to Beats Music, have presented their own takes on this concierge idea, but Roman insisted that Play Music is the best and fastest. “You can take a lot of implicit signals into account to make a really good recommendation before you’ve made the person work for it,” he told The Verge. “We really want to do that.”

The update is only available to All Access subscribers, meaning there are no ads in the listening experience. The music platform also got a new look with Google’s so-called Material Design style, which includes bolder colors and cleaner animations within the app.

Anna Washenko

Related Posts

Spotify Q1: 1B Euros; total revenue +20%; 615 monthly users

Spotify’s Q1 earnings report provides clear bragging points for Spotify. Click for details and a financial data graphic.

RAIN Notes: Wednesday, April 24

— Basic Education (Ad Results Media)

— Lots Of Win (The Webbys)

— La Mejor (Triton Digital)

You Missed

Spotify Q1: 1B Euros; total revenue +20%; 615 monthly users

Steve Goldstein: Navigating The Real Risks Of AI-Audio

Steve Goldstein: Navigating The Real Risks Of AI-Audio

Audacy Sports launches today, solving a “clunky” problem and better serving advertisers

Audacy Sports launches today, solving a “clunky” problem and better serving advertisers

RAIN Notes: Wednesday, April 24

RAIN Notes: Wednesday, April 24

Acast annual report: Defending and defining the podcast ad market

Acast annual report: Defending and defining the podcast ad market

Spotify exits the IAB; podcasting particularly affected; a signal of extraordinay self-sufficiency

Spotify exits the IAB; podcasting particularly affected; a signal of extraordinay self-sufficiency
Enjoy great online radio at AccuRadio!