Latest releases show that Google (GOOG) will start to offer free music download in China. The company has partnered with several music labels and is expected to provide 350 000 tracks for free download. Later on up to 1.1 million tracks.
The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) estimates that 99 % of the music distributed last year in China was illegal.
China is together with Russia another big market where Google plays second role. Baidu (BIDU) is the most used search engine in China with market share 60% and still growing. Google has around 26%.
I have already posted about Google strategy (Google vs. Baidu) how to gain market share in China. Google acquired several online companies from gaming or social networking sectors. This step into music industry is actually way how Baidu became successful. You remember Baidu started as a free MP3 tracks downloader. Let's see how Google will succeed with this new step to combat Baidu dominance.
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Thanks for the article :)