Google bought Songza in July, promising to “explore ways to bring what you love about Songza to Google Play Music“. Now we know how: yesterday, the company updated its Google Play Music app with Songza-style “expert curated music stations” available to stream or to download for offline listening. “If you’re a Google Play Music subscriber, next time you open the app you’ll be prompted to play music for a time of day, mood or activity. Choose an activity to get options for several music stations to make whatever you’re doing even better—whether it’s a station for a morning workout, songs to relieve stress during traffic, or the right mix for cooking with friends,” explained the company. The new features are live in the US and Canada on Android, iOS and the web, although given that Google has licensing deals for music in 45 countries now, it’s strange that it hasn’t yet taken the Songza stations global – it has the deals that Songza lacked on that score, but for now, the stations will remain North America only. While Songza pioneered the idea of contextual playlists for moods and activities, it’s since been adopted enthusiastically by other streaming services: Spotify, Rdio and Beats Music included.
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Tools: Kaiber
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