Google launches free music download service in China

Google announced the launch of a free music-search service in China via its search engine, the Wall Street Journal reported. The service allows users to download licensed music files without charge and will be supported by advertising revenue split between Google, music companies and Chinese music website Top100.cn. Google did not specify which music labels have signed on. Internet users outside of China will not have access to the service. The move could help Google gain on Chinese rival search firm Baidu.com, which as of the second quarter held a 64.6% share in China's online search market compared to Google's 26.1%, according to data from technology consultancy Analysys International. A lawsuit was recently filed against Baidu for facilitating the download of unlicensed music via its search engine.