Google and Apple Agree to Keep Lala Deal in Place

Google and Apple have agreed to keep the current Lala deal in place which allows customers to preview and purchase music directly from a Google search.

Apple recently acquired Lala. The service allows trade-enabled members to legally create online shareable "playlists" (formerly known as "radio stations") of their own uploaded music which can play full length songs for other registered Lala members, purchase MP3s, stream music on a one-time basis or as inexpensively purchased "web songs," buy new CDs from the Lala store mail for $1 per trade plus 75¢ postage, leave blurbs on other members' pages, and participate in the community forums. [W]

According to Business Week, Google director of product management R.J. Pittman says the companies have agreed to leave the current deal in place. “We have enjoyed a good relationship with Apple for many years, and that continues to be the case,” he says. “We are agreeing to continue to leave the service as it is.” Apple spokesman Steve Dowling declined to comment, other than to say “we generally do not comment on our purpose or plans” regarding acquisitions.


Originally it was thought that Apple's purchase might nullify Lala’s licenses with the music labels, Pittman says that’s not so. “Look, the site is live now, and it will remain live for the foreseeable future.”

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