Google Music shoots for Xmas launch

XMAS PRESENT FOR MAJORS? Google is aiming for the holiday season as the ETA for its music service and Andy Rubin, the company’s Android whiz, is engaged in discussions with the labels, inside sources told Reuters. Both sides in these talks should be highly motivated, with the tech giant’s entry into the digital music space representing the best chance yet for the leveled playing field the majors have long been hoping for. "Finally here's an entity with the reach, resources and wherewithal to take on iTunes as a formidable competitor by tying it into search and Android mobile platform," said a label executive who asked not to be identified. "What you'll have is a very powerful player in the market that's good for the music business." And wouldn’t it be ironic if the Internet actually saves the music biz, 11 years after Napster sowed the seeds of its ongoing problems? (9/3a)