Google Music Search uses iLike, Lala

Google at a Los Angeles event tonight unveiled its widely expected advanced music search feature. The addition (a video of which is available below) automatically parses regular searches for music from all four major labels and automatically filters it by artist, album or track; users can then either sample or buy the tracks through Lala or MySpace's iLike. Those who use recommendation-based Internet streaming service like iMeem, Pandora or Rhapsody can also find related music.

The search giant plans to deploy the feature through the US over the next day. Other areas haven't been discussed and would need deals with separate, web-based music services to function.

Adding the feature is a potential major advantage for iLike and Lala, either of which now stands to benefit from casual purchases of music. However, it may simultaneously damage web stores that haven't been factored into the deal as of Wednesday evening, such as Amazon MP3 and eMusic. Software-specific stores like iTunes and the Zune Marketplace, which users rarely visit through web searches, are less likely to be directly affected.

By Electronista Staff