BBC
:
Google has launched an online music store in the US, which will allow devices running its Android software to buy, store and stream MP3 files.
EMI, Sony Music Entertainment, Universal and 23 independent labels are providing content to create a library of 13 million songs.
However, Warner Music Group has opted not to take part at this point.
The service poses a challenge to Apple's dominance of the sector. It launched its iTunes store in 2003.
The popularity of the iPod maker's mobile devices helped drive sales.
However, a new study by the research firm Gartner suggests that more than half of all smartphones sold between July and September ran Android. That accounts for more than 60 million devices.
By comparison Apple's iOS handsets accounted for 15% of the market over the same period, according to the study.
