French-owned streaming service Deezer and LINE’s Mixradio service are also available. Today, that’s about to change, for two countries at least, and as far as Google Play Music is concerned. Considering that the trend of online streaming is on the rise with services like Spotify and Apple Inc.’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) Apple Music; it was inevitable that Google would roll out its own streaming platform to remain active against competitors.
Advertisement
Apple Music launched in the territory in June, offering its service at R59.99 (£2.72) after a free three-month trial.
As part of the ongoing rat race between tech companies to increase global availability and their subsequent consumer base, Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) has launched its music streaming platform, Google Play Music in South Africa.
I would love to be able to buy Nexus devices in South Africa straight from Google, or even Android One handsets as I’m now slightly obsessed with budget phones.
Serbia previously had access to just Apps and Games in Google’s Store, and this is only the 2nd Play service that has become available there. They can add, remove or re-order your station and see what’s coming next.
The launch of Google Play Music follows news of the imminent demise of global streaming provider Rdio, which drew a small but loyal audience of South African users, and the launch in this market a few months ago of Apple Music. It also enables users to upload almost 50,000 music tracks to their libraries, allowing access from their other connected devices.
Advertisement
Users can also “pin” specific albums and playlists so they’re available for playback without having to use Internet data – useful in South Africa where many people don’t have access to unlimited Internet accounts. Apps have been available for some time, while Google Books has been open for business in South Africa since 2013.
