Google launches iTunes rival

Google has launched its iTunes rival, Google Music, to considerable fanfare, although it seems the service will be limited to the US market for the time being.

Google Music is the search giant’s long-awaited answer to iTunes, offering users over 13 million tracks including exclusives from artists like Pearl Jam, Coldplay and the Rolling Stones.

Notably absent from the service is Warner Music, which includes modern groups such as Green Day and Metallica as well as legends Led Zeppelin, The Doors, Fleetwood Mac and Neil Young among its ranks.

Although there’s no word on whether Google may expand Google Music outside of the US (much like iTunes Match), the good news for kiwis is that popular online music service Spotify may be coming here.

Reports say Spotify, which offers free online music streaming with an option to pay for a premium, ad-free service, could be up and running in Australia and New Zealand as early as February.