If Apple has iTunes and Facebook has Spotify, Google is hoping to trump with its own music hub incorporated into Google+ that not only lets users stream music, but also download it to their devices.  Google is reportedly planning on launching the music hub within the next two weeks, according to people close to the matter.

The music-download hub is presently being called Google Music, though it’s not yet confirmed if that would be the official name for the newest aspect of the service.  Google Music can recommend songs to anyone on Google+.  Users can listen to it once, for free.  After which, they can download music, probably for ¢99.

The key to the success of Google Music depends on the four major label companies:  Citigroup Inc.’s EMI Group, Vivendi SA’s Universal Music Group, Sony Corp.’s Sony Music Entertainment and Access Industries Inc.’s Warner Music Group.  Of the four, EMI is likely to be the one to enter a deal with Google before the service officially launches.  Universal is said to be in negotiations with Google, though it’s unlikely that a deal would be in place before the service launch.  The remaining two labels are a bit doubtful about the Google service, as they think it would just cause more music piracy since Google is too lenient about such matters (YouTube, anyone?).

If music access is lacking here, Google can say goodbye to its music download dreams.  Signing label partners is a serious matter, and as deep as Google’s pockets are, a lawsuit would still bog down any process Google was hoping to make with downloadable content.

But if Google manages to sign the necessary labels, Google Music will not only take on Facebook-Spotify partnership but also Apple’s iTunes, as it is the largest seller of digital music.  Killing two birds with one stone, the Google+ integration would boost the new social platform, and give Google access to some interesting data around song recommendations, search and discovery.  And while they’re at it, Google should incorporate Google Music deeper the Android platform so they could also take on Research in Motion’s BlackBerry Music as well.  Three birds with one stone is just epic.

Google empire needs a media hub beyond music

Aside from offering Siri-like apps and having over six million tablets loose in the wild, the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update landed on gamers’ good side as this new OS offers support for direct input game controllers via USB.  This means your smartphone or tablet can be used as a touch-based game controller, much like the Wii U controller, due out next year.

Lastly, rumor has it that Google might buyout Yahoo’s core business so that Google can advertise on Yahoo’s website. But this rumor is met by a lot of criticism, at it as deemed as anti-competitive for Google.  Maybe Microsoft will take another look at this one?