By 
When Google first introduced Google Music, we were treated to a vision far broader than just uploading your already-existent music collection to the cloud for playback via wireless streaming. We got a look at how life would be like if Google offered music purchasing functionality for Android users, similar to what Apple does with iTunes and what Microsoft does with Zune. Unfortunately, the Music beta didn’t come with these features.
Fortunately, “beta” means Google isn’t finished, and our friends at Android & Me have reason to believe that we’re inching closer to getting the full experience Google envisioned. They looked inside the resource files of the latest Android market app update and found some images not currently used. That market icon in the upper left corner when you go to a specific section of the Android market? There are certain-colored icons for games/apps, books and movies.
Well, thanks to what’s been revealed by the resource tree, there is a specific icon just for Music. It’ll be orange themed – just like Google Music’s main color. This could mean a lot but could mean very little. Google could very well be in promising negotiations with record labels to provide the service, and these resource files could suggest they’re far along in those talks.
Another scenario that is just as likely? They could just be anticipating that the music service will come sometime – anytime – down the line. It doesn’t hurt to keep the necessary resources inside the application as they don’t take up much space, so Google may have just thrown this in for good measure.
So we know they’re still trying to get that music store launched, but we’re still not exactly sure how far off we’re on. We’re hopeful that today’s discovery means we’re ever closer, but we won’t get our hopes up. Are any of you looking forward to this? [Android & Me]
That would be great… as long as they keep the tracks DRM free like on Amazon.
That’s true :)
I would have to guess that it’s within the next year or so, because I can’t anticipate the Market keeping the same design for much more than a year (just to keep up with the times), which would mean those files are just taking up space needlessly.
Anything to help the Google cause :)
The record companies really need to wake up! Every day they do not get involved in the android ecosystem the more money they lose. Yes, there are options, some not so legal, if they want to reduce piracy give people what they want. Not everyone likes iTunes, I still do not want to give amazon even more of my money (also they tend to be more expensive). I actually have not purchased much music because I don’t want apple to get it. Lol
Needless to say, the reason the music industry has lost money is they refuse to keep up with consumers desires.
If it happens outside the US then yes, I would be excited. So far Music, Books, Movies & Voices have yet to make it outside of the states, so to anyone who isn’t American, these are features that don’t exist. couple that with the fact that you can buy Movies, TV shows, Music & Books through the Apple App Store in far, far more countries and have been able to for a while, Google really aren’t even beginning to compete in the content & media stakes.
Google will never compete in the U.S market let alone places liek Canada at this rate they are only doing now what Apple and Microsoft have been doing for yrs ..heck Netflix is even in Canada now – Yet not in Canada on the Android devices due to Google and not Netflix !!
Cause you can get Netflix on your Iphone in Canada – Just not Android all cause of Google short comings within U.S markets and not even considering other North American markets ( Canada ) One woudl thin due to our economy being strong and not in the shitter like the U.S they would be all over us like Flys on crap i guess they like sucking money from an empty pit :)
“Fortunately, “beta” means Google isn’t finished”
This statement is incorrect.
You know what I meant.
just more f’n features that CANADA doesn’t get !! Yes I’m talking to you Google /Android Market place ! When i comes to Movies and Music !!!!! That goles for Netflix as well ( sure i can have it finally in Canada on my Xbox 360 and Ps3 ! Just not mobile only in the U.S.A WTF is that all about !! ??
So much for me buying an Android Tablet anytime soon!!