Larry Magid: Google Acquires Mood-Based Streaming Music Service, Songza
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)— Google announced their latest acquisition as part of their evolving digital music strategy. Financial terms weren't disclosed Tuesday about their deal with Songza, a service that creates tailored soundtracks based on the user's mood.
I wasn't too familiar with the company, but it's a little like Pandora except instead of typing in artists, you type in your mood and the type of activity you'll be doing while listening. It could be anything like cycling or house cleaning.
Based on your input, which also includes time of day and day of the week, Songza will concoct a playlist and then play it for you.
Google Acquires Mood-Based Streaming Music Service, Songza
The company's price is considered to be too small to affect Google Inc., which ended March with $59 billion in cash.
The acquisition highlights the growing importance of services that create tailored playlists as more people listen to music through Internet connections on their smartphones, tablets and personal computers.
Apple is buying headphone maker Beats Electronics for $3 billion largely because it prizes the song-picking prowess of a digital music service that Beats has been building.
Google plans to use Songza's technology in its own music-streaming service, as well as its YouTube video site.
TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
