Google plans to add podcasts to Google Play Music and has announced a list of podcasters and podcast networks that will be available on the streaming service. Play Music will become the first native Android podcasting app to rival Apple's podcast service.
Podcasts are coming to the Play Music according to Google. The company already announced a list of podcasters and podcast networks that will be added to its music streaming service as per RouteNote. The list includes popular names in the podcasting field such as: 5by5, Dan Carlin, Dave Ramsey, Earwolf, Feral Audio, Gimlet Media, HBO, Head Gum, HowStuffWorks, Loud Speakers Network, Nerdist/Legendary, Public Radio International, Radiotopia/PRX, Sideshow Network, Slate/Panoply, StarTalk Radio, This Week in Tech, and Tim Ferriss.
Currently, only US-based podcasters can upload shows on Play Music via Google's "portal for podcasters" before the official launch. Google Play Music will reportedly make podcasts available on both the paid and free version of the service.
Google Play Music will not simply offer music and podcasts. It will bring content to listeners based on their interests. 9to5Google reported that Play Music will use Songza technology to recommend podcasts to users. "The service will connect new listeners with podcasts based on what they're doing, how they're feeling, or what they're interested in," Google said. Elias Roman, product manager of Play Music, said, "Podcasts allow us to do everything for our users. It makes us a more complete concierge." Play Music will also allow users to browse and search the web.
According to Re/code, Google aims to reach to more people through the Play Music's podcasting service. A survey by Edison indicated that around 55 percent of podcast listeners in the US use iPhones. Roman said that by adding podcasts to the Play Music, Google wants to reach more iOS users to challenge Apple's dominance in the podcast market.
Google Play Music is expected to come within a few months. It will reportedly be made available on both iOS and Android devices.
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