Google takes on Spotify with Google Play Music All Access streaming service

Google’s long-rumoured music streaming service is finally out in the open, with the search engine giant revealing Google Play Music All Access this afternoon at its I/O developer conference. Catchy name, right?

Just like Spotify, Rdio and countless other streaming services that it aims to rival, All Access – we’re shortening it, okay? – gives you access to millions of songs to stream on Android phones and tablets and online through PC and Mac using a web-based system.

Google will be offering the service in the US only, just as it did with Play Music originally, before rolling it out around the world over the next few months. A 30-day trial can be taken up and after that subscriptions will cost $9.99 per month.

As well as just being a streaming service for the songs you want to hear, All Access can bring you stuff you’ve never heard before using a recommendation system. Whatever you listen to is carefully tracked and other artists are recommended based on your tastes.

Songs can also be turned into your own personal radio stations or playlists, allowing you to rack up mixes of your favourite tracks. Playlists and radio stations will sync across multiple devices if you have them, too, using your Google account.

If you’re based in the US then load up Play Music on your Android device and sign up for a trial.