Google Music - My Take On It!

Okay, let's say you went out and bought a Joshua Radin album and you put it on your iPod.  That's great, you listen to it, enjoy it, then you lose your iPod.  What do you do then?

TO THE CLOUD!!!


Google has done something that Amazon, Apple, and a few others have already done.  Why should anyone be surprised that Google isn't in the thick of things that the people want right now?

So what makes Google Music better/worse than other services?  Well, I don't know much about the iCloud, but I got a beta invite to Google Music and I like it so far.  Amazon limits the total size of free music to 5GB.  You can upgrade for a fee to 20GB, but I'm all about the free stuff.

Google Music limits it's current users to 20,000 songs.  YEP! That's right... 20k!!!  And to get things started, they give you a good bit of music to get your feet wet.

Now, About The Interface


For starters, you have to download the "Music Manager" software to upload your tunes.  I didn't particularly like that, but some things are necessary to keep things under control.  The manager registers your computer and you have up to like 8, I think.  It basically runs the same way Netflix does on their streaming service.

Basically you have a Play/Pause, FWD, BACK, SHUFFLE, REPEAT, THUMBS UP/DOWN, and VOLUME button to play with.  You can see the album cover (if available) and the progress of the song as it goes.  You can also create and even import your playlists.

For testing purposes, I just had it import my iTunes database.  As you can see from the picture, some of the songs have been skipped due to size (it's trying to pull audiobooks too for some reason), corruption, or empty files. After a full 24 hours, I think my whole database should be about uploaded.  Then I can delete all the audiobooks and listen away.  The manager will also load with your computer (if you allow it) and it will look for new music to upload automagically in your watch folders or iTunes database.


OVERALL TAKE ON IT?


I'll keep working with it.  I have one of the pilot CR-48 laptops and I am waiting for a Chrome Store App for it that will make things easier, but for now I can remember music.google.com when I need to go to it.  I also have every intention of getting an Android phone before too long, so then I'll be able to take my music with me in the cloud and save my storage on my phone and memory card for movies, pictures, video, games, apps, etc.

If you can get an invite, try to get one... At least use it for now until they decide on a price.  I understand they plan on charging for this, but we'll see what happens once Apple goes live.  Maybe they'll just interrupt every few songs with a short commercial like Pandora does to keep things free.

Anyway, that's my take.  If you click the Amazon link above, listen to some of the Joshua Radin music.  It's soft, mellow, relaxing, and overall good in that folky sort of way.

Enjoy!

How To: Make Money With Blogger - Ad Revenue Explained

Is it really possible to make significant money just blogging?


You bet it is!  Can you do it?  That's up to you.  Blogging for cash is not for everyone.  Some people just want to keep an online journal or occasionally blog to keep the creative process flowing.  I've done both.  I actually even made some ad revenue doing that, but it was peanuts compared to what I am about to teach you.

Lesson 1: What brought you here?

EXACTLY... You saw something appealing and clicked on it.  I have knowledge that I am willing to share for free.  Not everyone possesses this information, but since I do, I can use it to drive up my traffic.  I also have the time to dedicate to blogging a few times a week.  This is important, because I don't ever want to cool off and lose my readership or following.  Sure, most people won't read everything I've written, but that's because my wide range of knowledge lets me hit more than one topic.  (Later I'm going to show you how to do CREDIT REPAIR on your own.)  More after the break.

How to Reach Me - And Upcoming Reviews

WELCOME BACK FOLKS!


So here's what's new...

My last review was of some instant mashed potatoes by Idahoan and that actually got some good views.  Idahoan even found it (I was excited that they did) and posted a link from their Twitter and their Facebook accounts to the review and had nice things to say about me.  I appreciated that.

So here is what is coming up and some good information.

HOW TO REACH ME (to review your product)


Everyone knows that the best way to get your name out there is to get your items reviewed and maybe even give away something to your target audience.  How can you do that?  Simple... get in touch with me and I will review anything you want.  The quickest way to get a hold of me is either email or on twitter.

SEND ME EMAIL or TWEET AT ME

I'm an average, normal person who will give praise where it belongs and will gently discuss the downside (if there are any) that I see.  In no way will any of my reviews or demonstrations cover everything if it is a complex device, but I will do my best to show off the most common uses, the best things about it, and anything else that may be helpful to potential consumers.

Now, things I am in the market for and once I get them, I'll most likely review them. (hint-hint if you want something reviewed)

Tablet (iPad, Android, WebOS, Blackberry, etc)
Cell phone (mine is on its last leg and I need a new smartphone)
Accessories for Square (the credit card processor)
Informational DVDs, Websites, Books, etc.
eReader (if I don't get a tablet first)

And as always, household products like cleaners, cookwear, oral care, razors, etc will always be in need.  I also like reviewing easy too cook food products.

A good deal by way of coupon or a sample or even a free unit will be the quickest way to have me go on about how great you are for sending me something to test or try and review. (Just saying)

So what are you reviewing next?

That's a good question.  I have a couple things planned and next week will probably be a website review.  I've found a great informational site that I think everyone can use and I'll give my opinions on it and hopefully help someone.

If I get something that is meant to improve my life or efficiency, then I'll do it two.  We'll see what happens.  Either way, tell a friend to follow my twitter or my blog, click on an ad, or drop me an idea for something to review.  I'd be more than happy to do it and let's keep this thing going.

Thanks :)