Google Play Music now offers options for playback quality of songs

Google updates its Play Music streaming app with new playback quality options over Wi-Fi and for downloaded tracks. You can now choose between low, normal, high, and always high. Before you could only adjust playback quality for streaming when you were using mobile data. It doesn’t say, though, what bitrate these options correspond to. But if you seek the highest quality the app offers, then you at least have the choice to do so now. The update comes to both iOS and Android versions of the app.

Source: Engadget

Google gets into the original podcast game

Following in the footsteps of Apple and Spotify, Google now has its own audio podcast. Called City Soundtracks, it focuses on conversations between musical acts as they delve into the places, moments, and songs that influence both their work and lives. It’s hosted by West Wing Weekly’s Hrishikesh Hirway. There are currently three episodes of the “pod” with one focusing on Grammy-nominated R&B artist Kehlani, another on “Queen of Bounce” Big Freedia, and the third is a tour of Austin’s music culture with Britt Daniel and Jim Eno. It isn’t known yet what Google plans for this podcast or if we can expect more new original content from them but having exclusive content is one way to differentiate themselves from the competition. City Soundtracks is available on iTunes and Google Play Music.

Source: The Next Web

Google Play Music might finally add podcasts to repertoire on April 18th

Rumours have heightened yet again that Google Play Music will finally be adding podcasts into its available content by April 18th. An internal newsletter sent by NPR to its partner members disclosed that podcasts will be coming to Play Music by said date. The newsletter also indicated that it will be coming to Android and "other platforms," which could mean iOS or the web as well. Of course, this isn't concrete confirmation and we have to wait until the 18th comes around. But if you're keen on just using Google apps for everything, then this rumoured addition might be a welcomed one for you.

Source: Engadget

Beatles catalog now available from various streaming music services

Beatlemaniacs the world over have one more big reason to rejoice this Christmas as most of the iconic Beatles albums and singles are now available for streaming from the likes of Apple Music, Google Play Music, Spotify, Tidal and Microsoft Groove. Subscribers of these services can take a break from their Carols and Holiday Music and enjoy some of the best music ever made by John, Paul, George and Ringo. What a treat!