YouTube tunes up for battle of the bands

Youtube unveiled its new music-streaming service yesterday, giving the company another tool to compete with Apple.

YouTube Music Key will begin on an invitation-only basis next week with a promotional subscription price of $7.99 a month. YouTube is also adding a music feature on its smartphone app that includes favourites and recommended playlists.

Google is investing in mobile entertainment options as it works to drive revenue beyond its search-engine business. There is already a crowded field: Apple agreed to pay$3-billion to buy headphones and streaming-music service Beats Electronics in May. Others include Pandora and Spotify.

YouTube Music Key also includes a subscription to Google Play Music, the streaming service offered separately. Other features include new tools for listening and finding an artist's full album - including songs that don't have videos associated with them.