Google Eyes Music Store

APPLE IN GOOGLE'S EYE: Google's Android whiz, VP Andy Rubin, has begun “accelerated” talks with music publishing firm Harry Fox Agency, with an eye towards launching an online competitor for Apple’s iTunes Store. The pace of the conversations, which follows discussions with the four major labels, could mean the opening of a Google Music Store before the end of the year. The N.Y.-based Harry Fox Agency owns the rights to some 27k songs. The planning will focus on pricing, what rights are available and how to establish a successful business model. (7/26a)