Today’s the day that a lot of folks have been waiting for – the launch of Google Music from Beta to a real product. We’ve covered the launch extensively, talking about the 13 million tracks, how you can share it on Google+ and the millions of hours of music that were streamed daily. But one thing that was glossed over during the presentation is exactly how many Android users will not have the chance to get Google Music.
You see, according to Google, its Music is relegated to Android devices running 2.2 and higher. By current stats, according to the Android Developer Platform Versions site, that leaves 13% of Android users out of the loop. Google stated during the launch that 200 million Android devices have been activated, so that means that 26 million Android users are either going to have to upgrade their phones or root (jailbreak) them to get Google Music.
This is the time when you have to start getting serious about what you want to do for a long-term phone platform as a consumer. The iPhone has had some of the same issues, with the launch of iTunes Match. Given that Match only runs on iOS 5.0 and above, you’ll need to have an iPhone 3GS or newer. But with Android and the fragmentation of the platform across so many devices, it’s a much more damaging factor to require 2.2 or above.
Oh yes, and there’s this little fact too – If you’re not in the US, no Google Music for you. So that 26 million number is, most likely, far larger.
So what’s your call? Is Google Music enough of a game-changer to pull you away from Amazon’s Cloud storage, iTunes Match or otherwise? Or are you in the camp that has foregone “ownership” of music entirely, in favor of things like MOG, Spotify, Rdio and others?


















Oh yes, and there’s this little fact too – If you’re not in the US, no Google Music for you. So that 26 million number is, most likely, far larger.
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Like" So that 26 million number is, most likely, far larger."
Actually, that number is probably smaller since the bulk of the 2.1 and less devices are in random smaller countries that can't afford newer devices, or have less access to internet.
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Likeoh and you have to live in the US :( Damn google
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Likenon story ':13% of Android users
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LikeGarry 13% is a non-story? Tell that to those 26 million. I'm guessing they'd disagree.
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LikeBrad McCartyGarry They can use Google Music (via the browser). So what is the big problem?
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LikeRobert RooijakkersGarry It's an incomplete experience. Hacks and work-arounds should NOT be considered as something that makes a product successful.
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LikeI don't mind GOogle so much but all their stuff feels half a$$ed... no way I'm giving them music. I've not always been so pleased with iTunes the client, but with Match its exactly what I need. I had Amazon too but never use it. This is another Google "me too".... too bad.
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LikeYou're assuming that all 200 Million activations are active users. As if everyone is still using their original device, even if they have replaced it or have duplicates (tablets, etc). Also, with most consumers replacing their phones every 18-24 months, there is almost no reason to get "serious about what you want to do for a long-term phone platform as a consumer." Services are becoming more platform agnostic, not less. After all, Google Music works with iOS. So, why not add all of those people to the numbers who can use this service? (disclosure: I work for Samsung and I have a dog in this fight).
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LikePhilip Berne Fair play. All I can go by are published numbers and nobody has a listing of "I used to have an Android device but now I don't." But if we're splitting hairs, then the fact of it being US-only still easily pushes that number higher than 26 million.
And really, the iOS argument is crazy. It "works", yes. But that's the extent of things. It doesn't work well, nor is it native. The chances of Google Music seeing a large number of iOS-based users is somewhere around zero.
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LikeBrad McCartyPhilip Berne It's not native because apple will not allow it. The fact that they did such a good job getting it working in iOS's browser is a testament to Google's desire to bring your music library to you no matter what device your on.
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Likeand australasia! we have hardly any options here in new zealand, we have itunes and smaller download sites with very limited libraries such as digirama.co.nz and amplifier.co.nz. we need this, or something similar like amazon music.
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Likeyo homie, where's the LIKE BUTTON on this bitch?!
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LikeCourtney Boyd Myers It's there for me. Blame Facebook :P
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LikeThe number is actually much higher, Brad! Google Music works only in the USA, which means all Android users in Europe, Asia, South America, .... won't get it either! And who knows if we ever will.... still waiting for Google Voice, among others!
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LikeFlavio Yep. Just now updated to reflect that. Good point for sure.
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LikeAnd people with Android <2.1 can use the browser on their phone (works almost as good as the app). So what is your point?
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LikeConversation from Twitter
cathy_chao OMG this video is SICK! I bet you can't watch for more than 10 seconds http:\/\/t.co\/tAws1RA2
Conversation from Facebook
How many iPhone 2G people don't get iCloud?
Pretty much all the music i have ever purchased is available on Spotify Premium. Roughly 85% of the music in my playlist is newly discovered music!
that's nice. where's the #SOPA #PIPA coverage?
YET! The Carriers are al in bed with Amazon or iTunes...wait til the contracts expire
Ive been using the beta for a while now and I cant live without it! I think itll be worth it for people to upgrade.
I have it. Smokes itunes. Major labels as well as independent artists,and an indie section that allows bands to be heard by the mass public. Instantly loads purchases to all your Android devices and high sound quality without the BS of itunes forcing you to buy Apple junk. So cool.
It'll be hard to sway me from spotify... that is when I get access to Google music :P