Google opens digital music store

LOS ANGELES – Google unveiled its much-anticipated digital music store Wednesday as it opened a new front in its battle with Apple to provide services over mobile devices.

For the first time, Google Inc. will sell songs on the Android Market, its online store for apps, movies and books.

Some songs are free, while others were priced at 69 cents, 99 cents and $1.29. Some examples of artists whose work is available right away include Coldplay, Drake and Pearl Jam.

Google is offering 13 million tracks.

Google is allowing sharing of purchased songs over its social network, Google Plus. Friends will be able to listen to each song once for free.

Associated Press