The New Google Music Listen Now Experience
This afternoon we've been taking a look and a listen at the next generation in Google Music's subscription service in Listen Now. This morning Google integrated Songza finesse to their musical library collection, allowing professional songsmiths to create playlists for the masses. To enter in to this process you've got just a few questions to answer – and you're on your way to a fully functional set of suggestions that updates on the regular. This isn't just a one-time shot, it's a living, breathing entity.
When you begin your Google Music Listen Now experience here in the Autumn of 2014 forward, you're going to be asked a few questions about your preferences. The first thing you'll see is a screen asking what genres you're all about.
Next you'll be given an extensive list of music artists in the Google Play library. This list can be expanded, but we'd be shocked if you didn't find your favorite artists in the first pack.
From there it's all about the new Google Music curated experience. You still have full access to all features you've grown used to, but now you have a new row of suggested playlists to make use of. You'll also notice a new look to the whole system – this is based on Google's new Material Design aesthetic.
Tapping in on a subject matter like "Having Fun At Work" results in a set of categories you can choose from.
Feeling Like the Boss, Dancing at Your Desk, and Fly Hits of the '90s are just a few examples of what's in store in the Having Fun at Work environment.
Once you've chosen a category, you'll see several potential playlists with simple titles and details. One more tap on your choice and you'll be playing music. The music collection here is updated by the music geniuses at Google that make the lists.
You can refresh a list at any time to go deeper into the collection that's been built for you. Each music environment includes a new wave of music from Google's vast collection.
Once you've listened to a playlist, it remains in your playlist collection if you wish, as well as your Recently Played list. You can head back directly or move through another categorical selection process. Easy peasy.
Does this system make Google Music more of a beast in the streaming music arena? Absolutely. This sort of system was what made Beats Music appealing – now there's no reason to choose Beats over Google Music besides name-brand association. Have at it!
BONUS: Here are a few Material Design-friendly wallpapers to brighten your day as well, Google Music style. Tap in and make large.