As we get closer and closer to Google I/O, speculation inevitably ramps up about what Mountain View will be unveiling this year to set the Android world on fire. The most likely plans involve boosting Play Store features and availability, given the recent push not only to expand into new countries, but to frame the Nexus line as a great content consumption platform. If Fortune is right, then Google may have a huge axe to swing in that battle with not one, but two different subscription music services coming soon.

First off, YouTube. The idea would be that users could listen to any music tracks they want for free. Given that this is already how YouTube works, the implication is likely that ads would be stripped away. Of course, just which tracks would be included is anyone's guess. The internet has a quiet understanding that every song in existence is on YouTube, whether legitimate or not. We can only assume Google won't be removing ads from user-uploaded songs. That's just silly.

This service would be in addition to the rumored Play Store subscription model. The two even have entirely separate teams negotiating the deals, the report says. This sounds dichotic, but does make a certain amount of sense. Play Music offers listeners a very different experience than YouTube does, so if Google wants to leverage all of its music assets, it's only logical to have two different offerings for two different customer bases.

No word yet on when either of these services will appear, but sooner is better than later. Play Music has been at a distinct disadvantage to iTunes since its inception and YouTube has yet to fully embrace its identity as the new MTV. That is, the MTV of the 80s and 90s. Not this newfangled crap.

Source: Fortune