Reuters is reporting that Google’s VP of Engineering, Andy Rubin, has been conducting talks with record labels in an attempt to launch an online music service before Christmas. Although record industry insiders are excited about the possibility of Apple and Google clashing on the digital music front, Google has yet to sign deals with any record labels.
“Finally here’s an entity with the reach, resources and wherewithal to take on iTunes as a formidable competitor by tying it into search and Android mobile platform. What you’ll have is a very powerful player in the market that’s good for the music business,” said an anonymous record label executive. Rumors are citing that the new Google service will be here by Christmas.
