Google Play Music All Access gets even better with Songza integration

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I love me some music, and I love me some Google Play Music All Access. For real though, I use the search-giant's music service for multiple hours every day. Whether it is on my desktop, smartphone or tablet, I consume many songs with the service. Sure, other services like Beats Music and Spotify are good too, but All Access couples its large selection with an unrivaled visual style that makes the entire experience awesome. Heck, starting today, Android app begins using the super-sexy material design.

Unfortunately, with all streaming music services, media discovery can be tricky, as I often find myself listening to the same songs over and over again. While Google's genre-based and curated stations are a good way to discover, even that can be limiting. Today, Google turns it up to 11 and finally integrates features from its Songza acquisition into All Access. The result? Better discovery, plus music that matches a mood or task.

"If you're a Google Play Music subscriber, next time you open the app you'll be prompted to play music for a time of day, mood or activity. Choose an activity to get options for several music stations to make whatever you’re doing even better -- whether it's a station for a morning workout, songs to relieve stress during traffic, or the right mix for cooking with friends. Each station has been handcrafted -- song by song -- by our team of music experts (dozens of DJs, musicians, music critics and ethnomusicologists) to give you the exact right song for the moment", says Brandon Bilinski and Elias Roman, Google Play Music product managers.

gpmaafeatThe product managers further explain, "as part of this update, we've also redesigned the 'Listen Now' page so you can more easily discover new music. Now you'll see cards for all of your recently played music, new releases you might be interested in, and radio stations based on what you like to listen to. You'll also notice that the new app uses Google’s material design, with bigger images, bolder colors and slick transitions".

In my testing, the new feature works great. I am a big fan of rap music -- A Hip-Hop head if you will -- and I really wanted to hear some music to get me focused and motivated. I selected "Working Out, "Aggressive Rap" and then "Thug Motivation: Weight Room Rap". I was presented with a playlist full of adrenaline and testosterone-fueled rap anthems that got me crazy (in a good way).

Play Music - new recommendations - Web

Of course, all genres are represented -- not just rap. If you want to relax, work out or do homework, Google Play Music All Access now has a soundtrack for you. Best of all? This new feature comes with no additional cost.

Sadly, the new feature is only available in the USA and Canada; listeners in other countries must either be patient, or spoof their location with a VPN. Hopefully it doesn't take too long to roll it out to more places.

What is your favorite streaming music service? Tell me in the comments.

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