Google Play Music Introduces Songza Integration

Google Play has announced a new version of Google Play Music that integrates Songza technology for the first time since Google acquired the company this summer. While this rollout features slick graphic upgrades across Android, iOS, and web platforms, and more user friendly functionality, it is much more than a simple aesthetic upgrade. Songza's customizable "Music Concierge" technology allows the listener to drive their listening experience, or to take a back seat and enjoy the full service music player.

The full platform renovation was unveiled this morning by Google Play Music product managers Brandon Bilinksi and Elias Roman.

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. Each station has been handcrafted – song by song – by our team of music experts (dozens of DJs, musicians, music critics and ethnomusicologists) to give you the exact right song for the moment. 

By removing the need to select genre or single artist based playlists, this update means unlimited accessibility and exposure to the 30 million plus songs hosted by Google Play. No matter what the time, what the occasion, or what the mood, Songza's got your back, and now, so does Google Play Music. 

The updated Listen Now feature will be available to all Google Play Music users starting today, but the concierge feature will only be available to those who subscribe to the $10 a month All Access service.  Google Play Project Manager Elias Roman hopes listeners enjoy the full spectrum of options they have at their fingertips. In an interview with Venture Beat, he said: 

"But there aren't two kinds of people – those that sit back to let the music play… and those that are constantly engaged in discovering new stuff – just one. We didn't want people to tell the difference," he said, adding that Google Play Music is attempting to be a complete streaming music that involves less thinking and provides more entertainment regardless of how much you engage with it.

Google may taken it's sweet time to become a key player in the on-demand internet radio game, but their acquisition and utilization of Songa's unique capabilities could be the game changer they've been waiting for.

Are you a Google Play Music subscriber? What do you think of these updates? Share your thoughts below. 

Sources: Android Official Blog, VentureBeat.com