Rant: Cancelling Google All Access Music

[sfbloodbrother]

As the title says, I'm finally cancelling my Google All Access Music membership after over 1 year of using it. I decided to make a thread about it, to explain why, and what will get me to subscribe again.

As a member of Google's all access music subscription, I enjoyed the different variety of music that was chosen over different services like Slacker Radio, and Pandora. They seemed to play music that I haven't heard before, but after a while, it became repetitive, much like Pandora, Slacker, and iHeart Radio.

I also enjoyed the theme it had to the UI. It is similar to much of the Google apps, and I do enjoy the new layout that goes with Lolipop. I think Google is going on the right track with this.
Another thing I enjoy is the feature to download music to my device for offline listening. It was great to download music to my phone while I was on the road where service wasn't even possible. (The mountains of Virginia is a no service zone!)

But now to the things that made me cancel.

All Access uses a high amount of data, and a high amount of storage and constantly needs to be 'manually' erased. I put that in quotes because I think the app, or Android for that matter needs to do a better job at managing storage on the device. When I checked why my phone was running out of space using the app "Clean Sweep" it didn't calculate the large amount of storage I was unaware of on my device when I checked using Android settings. "Play Music" was using 553 MB of storage on my phone, however the app is 22.45 MB large, the amount of data being used is 315 MB currently, yesterday it was 553, because I deleted some music that was stored on the device. Now, with my phone only having 5.52 GB available, this is insane using all this storage. By removing all the updates from this app (because it can't be uninstalled I believe) it will only use that 22.45, which I'm fine with. I can use another app, like Pandora or Spotify for much less memory.

Moving on to search and playability. Much of the time, I want to listen to an artist, but don't have anything specific I want to listen to of that artist. Let's take for example I want to listen to the artist "Michael Jackson". I search for him, and here are my results and options:

Listen to his top 15 songs.
Choose an album and listen to it.
Michael Jackson Radio.

Now I don't know what album I want to listen to, and I don't only want to listen to his top 15 songs, where's the option to just play his songs randomly from all different albums? There is no option for that, and for me that's a big problem.

I want to provide another example too, and this is a problem with it's search capabilities. (I used to have HIGH expectations of Google with search, but now I'm doubting them a bit).

I want to listen to the artist "Tool". I open my app and search Tool, and awesome Best Match is correct, I tap on that artist and here are my options:

Play Tool radio - in which they will play songs related to the artist.
Listen to related artist: Alice in Chains, A Perfect Circle, Nine Inch Nails, Deftones.

Where's my options to scroll though the songs of this artist? There is none, so does Google not have any songs by Tool in their archive? I'm Paying $10 / Month for this, why don't I have the option to listen to them?

Another complaint I have, it's sort of unrelated, but it's about the versatility of of the app compared to it's competitors: Pandora a major player.
Google Play Music only let's you add 10 devices to it's service. Now there's no way in hell I'll ever let anyone in the world use my Google account, so sharing is not something I'll ever do. (Google account is too important to me).
I recently bought a new TV. A Samsung smart TV. It's not an Android TV (As if that will ever kick off). It's not the greatest Smart TV, it's options are limited, but it's services reach the greater mass, meaning I can listen to Pandora on my TV. This is important because as more and more devices connect to the internet, no matter the device, Android, TV's, watches, iPhone, Windows, Mac, Google Glass, Vehicle, I don't care what device you use, Software is what matters. I have Many different devices in my life, and having 1 account to fit them all is simplicity, and versatility.

I think that concludes my rant. I don't believe All Access is of value to me anymore. There are free services out there that are more compelling to me currently, and I believe that as Google All Access is paid, I expect better.

 

[codesplice]

1) I'm with you: Play Music could do a better job of managing its cache… though it can also be kind of handy to have a good variety cached and available for offline playback when the need arises. There should be a better balance though - or even just a user-definable free space threshold (to either let Music use 800MB of cache or else maybe expand until only 2GB remain free).

2)

3) http://www.quora.com/Why-is-Tool-not-available-on-Google-Music-All-Access

4) I'm not entirely sure what your gripe here is - that you can only add ten music-playing devices to Play Music or that it doesn't have an app built in to your TV? For the first, I honestly have a hard time imagining why you would need more than ten devices active at the same time (particularly since Google resolved the issue that caused each new ROM install to count as a new device). For the second, the ChromeCast is currently on sale at Best Buy for $30 - and includes $20 Play credit, a 90-day subscription to All Access (moot in this case, but still a part of a cool deal), and I think two months of Hulu Plus. And ChromeCasts don't count against the device limit.

That all being said, if you want to ditch All Access that's of course fine by me - I just want to make sure it's not because of a misunderstanding. I've tried a handful of music subscriptions in the past and can honestly say that I am happiest with Google's (until the Next Big Thing comes along, at least). ☺

 

[sfbloodbrother]

Responding to #2
I know I can shuffle artist, but what if I want to listen to Michael Jackson. Just him, all albums, all songs.
I see radio (a collection of him and other similar pop artist). Albums, I don't want to listen to only one album, and top 15 songs.

Responding to #4
Your right... 10 Devices is a big number, but then again. I'm a geek who uses a lot of different devices. Let's say that Play Music was as open as something like Pandora, available on a multitude of devices. There's:
1.) Cell phone
2.) Nexus 7 (2012) Keep this @ my desk, play music, and every once in a while read a book.
3.) Nexus 7 (2013) Keep this by my bed for Night time YouTube video, bed time music.
4.) Laptop #1 Keep this by my chair in the living room, browse the web on commercials.
5.) Laptop #2 Keep this by the dinner table, when eating alone, I watch YouTube videos, (mostly Vlogs)
6.) Samsung Tablet Use this for school, and when doing homework, I plug in headphones and listen to music.
7.) Desktop #1 This is my gaming desktop. I mainly only play Skyrim, but sometimes when editing videos, I play music.
8.) Desktop #2 Right next to Desktop #1, I do mostly crypto graphic stuff on here, but when browsing websites, reading forums and stuff I listen to music.
9.) In theory, if my Samsung TV could be connected to Google All Access, it would be playing classical music right now in the living room.
10.) In theory, if I actually had Google Glass, they will be connected.
11.) In theory, if my PlayStation could be connected upstairs, it would be.
12.) In theory, if my other TV could be connected to the TV upstairs it would be.

That's 12 devices right there. Do I need them all, probably not at all. But convenient is convenient. Not to mention that I have a few more devices that are not connected. I was thinking of putting them in the bathrooms haha.

I don't see a point in getting a ChromeCast, as what I currently do with my TV is exactly the same as what a ChromeCast will do. Watch Nexflix, play music, except I'll have to have my phone on me, which I don't always have when I'm watching TV.

 

[breadnatty08]

AFAIK, if you're listening to Google Music in the browser, it doesn't count towards one of those 10 devices.

 

[nyydynasty]

Responding to #2
I know I can shuffle artist, but what if I want to listen to Michael Jackson. Just him, all albums, all songs.
I see radio (a collection of him and other similar pop artist). Albums, I don't want to listen to only one album, and top 15 songs.

I dont understand the problem. "Shuffle Artist" will let you listen to ALL the songs in Google Play's library for that one artist. This is what you want, no?

1.) Cell phone
2.) Nexus 7 (2012) Keep this @ my desk, play music, and every once in a while read a book.
3.) Nexus 7 (2013) Keep this by my bed for Night time YouTube video, bed time music.
4.) Laptop #1 Keep this by my chair in the living room, browse the web on commercials.
5.) Laptop #2 Keep this by the dinner table, when eating alone, I watch YouTube videos, (mostly Vlogs)
6.) Samsung Tablet Use this for school, and when doing homework, I plug in headphones and listen to music.
7.) Desktop #1 This is my gaming desktop. I mainly only play Skyrim, but sometimes when editing videos, I play music.
8.) Desktop #2 Right next to Desktop #1, I do mostly crypto graphic stuff on here, but when browsing websites, reading forums and stuff I listen to music.
9.) In theory, if my Samsung TV could be connected to Google All Access, it would be playing classical music right now in the living room.
10.) In theory, if I actually had Google Glass, they will be connected.
11.) In theory, if my PlayStation could be connected upstairs, it would be.
12.) In theory, if my other TV could be connected to the TV upstairs it would be.

That's 12 devices right there. Do I need them all, probably not at all. But convenient is convenient. Not to mention that I have a few more devices that are not connected. I was thinking of putting them in the bathrooms haha.
...

holy devices, batman. I think you have other issues you need to work out.



I've tried the vast majority of the music apps and i have to say that google music is the best one, IMO. Some apps might have some features that are nice but as a complete package, google music is still my #1 choice. Pandora is a close 2nd but the repetitive songs gets old quick.

 

[codesplice]

Like @breadnatty08 mentioned, streaming through the browser on your laptop/desktop/whatever doesn't count toward the device limit. Only devices that you install the client application (Play Music apk or the Google Play Music Manager or whatever it's called on PC - the thing that lets you upload/download songs) count. Also, Glass doesn't count as a standalone device - it only streams through your phone's Internet connection. So really it sounds like you're at 4 devices. (I was mistaken - Glass does count as a device.)

And as @nyydynasty stated, "Shuffle Artist" does exactly what it sounds like you're after - it randomly plays ALL of an artists songs (or at least all of them that are available on Play Music).

Again, this isn't meant as an attack on you or a strong defense for Play Music; I just want to make sure that you understand all the facts before you ditch the service.

 

[sfbloodbrother]

Like @breadnatty08 mentioned, streaming through the browser on your laptop/desktop/whatever doesn't count toward the device limit. So really it sounds like you're at 4 devices.

Okay, I didn't know that. 4 devices it is then. But if I were to get more tablets it would be a valid argument.

And as @nyydynasty stated, "Shuffle Artist" does exactly what it sounds like you're after - it randomly plays ALL of an artists songs (or at least all of them that are available on Play Music).

Again, this isn't meant as an attack on you or a strong defense for Play Music; I just want to make sure that you understand all the facts before you ditch the service.

I didn't know that. Just three little dots next to an artist? Ca'mon Google, they can design better than that. To me, those three little dot's shouldn't perform task like that. I'm not a developer, a consumer really, and that's something I don't like.

 

[nyydynasty]

I didn't know that. Just three little dots next to an artist? Ca'mon Google, they can design better than that. To me, those three little dot's shouldn't perform task like that. I'm not a developer, a consumer really, and that's something I don't like.

I prefer the 3 dots. Think of the alternative. You'll complain more when Google develops a cluttered UI because they decided to put those options on the screen, rather than in a (side) menu.

 

[codesplice]

I don't know if I prefer the three dots, but that's been the Google/Android design language for an overflow/menu button for a while now.

 

[sfbloodbrother]

I prefer the 3 dots. Think of the alternative. You'll complain more when Google develops a cluttered UI because they decided to put those options on the screen, rather than in a (side) menu.

I prefer the three dots and three lines also, but for more settings and more information. I don't think vital information should be placed in here.

I think there should just be a simple button that says "play Michael Jackson" the common user will understand its playing music by him. Not just shuffling artist

 

[nyydynasty]

maybe they'll realize this and make that change in a future update its not a terrible idea anyway.

 

[EarlyMon]

I don't know if I prefer the three dots, but that's been the Google/Android design language for an overflow/menu button for a while now.

Ice Cream Sandwich, October/November 2011.

 

[codesplice]

I don't have my phone on me at the moment, but I *think* that if you tap on the artist's tile (under the Artist, not Album, page) there is a "Play All" or "Shuffle All" option that appears on the next screen. I know for a fact that it does on the web interface.

 

[nyydynasty]

I don't have my phone on me at the moment, but I *think* that if you tap on the artist's tile (under the Artist, not Album, page) there is a "Play All" or "Shuffle All" option that appears on the next screen. I know for a fact that it does on the web interface.

you're right. I just checked. When i click on an artist, the next page shows "all my songs" and right above that is an icon with two arrows crossing. Thats the shuffle option.

 

[codesplice]

This one

 

[EarlyMon]

Used everywhere, with minor variations, including iTunes, as the shuffle icon.

 

[nickdalzell]

One gripe i have (i'm currently buying all the songs i ever added to Google Play Music via Amazon as i prefer the stock LG music app myself and afterwards will cancel Play Music) not only happens to be the annoying hidden gestures i keep triggering by mistake, but the primary one is Google being a lot like Apple on two counts:

1. downloaded and even purchased songs in Play Music are in a proprietary format unplayable by other music apps one might prefer over Google's. such as PowerAmp, or the stock player which often has more features and is easier to use, PowerAmp being theme-capable as well. the songs will only play in Play Music itself. Let's say i bought all my songs on Google Music. i want to transfer them to my laptop or MP3 player or even burn them to a CD. i can do all those things with Amazon MP3 purchases but on Google i cannot. They won't show up on other players and only work with Google's own app, much like iTunes won't allow you to play or use their songs on other players or CDs either.

2. unwanted 'free' songs showing in library and playing while in shuffle mode (even when offline). Think U2 showing up on iPhones was bad? try some freebies courtesy of Google that can't be removed, such as a Busta Rhymes Album, a M. Ward song, Merle Haggard song, and the like. If i wanted them i'd add them myself.

This third is just a personal gripe and perhaps me showing my age:

3. while i do like Material Design overall, i don't like it's often hidden, undisclosed gestures that you trigger by mistake, often with undesirable results. let's say i'm using my LG G3, and to keep the screen clean, i hide the navbar so i can see the app in full immersive mode. i use a swipe up from bottom gesture to reveal said bar to multitask or switch to the home screen. that same gesture appears to pull the currently playing song in full screen mode with playback controls which i then have to back out of to get back to the main library.

Another one seems to pull out from the side and is completely unnecessary when an icon appears to do the same thing. Whatever Google's reasons are for over reliance on gestures which they have this habit of never telling you about and leave you to find it by accident, and being dead-set against the menu key, i for one hate it and will use another app that at least works as i think it should. The only gestures i feel should exist are vital ones for touchscreens such as swipe to scroll, tap to click, tap and hold and so on. not swipe right to pull menu, swipe up to display album art, AHHH! I'm sure the teens think it's cool and it does look cool but usability sucks. I'm 35 going on 36 so maybe i'm finally hitting that generation gap...

 

[bjacks12]

Nick. When you're talking about songs you added to Google, are you talking about ones you bought from Google Play or ones you added as part of your All Access subscription?

If you already bought them from Google. PLEASE DON'T SPEND YOUR MONEY AGAIN. You can download them as MP3 files via your desktop and then add them to your phone. I just don't want to see you waste your money if you don't have to.

 

[EarlyMon]

iTunes music is all in AAC without DRM.

AAC is one of the MPEG specified standards - it's the update to MP3 - and is in no way proprietary.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Audio_Coding

In fact, it's the same audio codec used by probably all modern Androids featuring HD video camera support.

I play my iTunes music on Android all of time and have for nearly 5 years.

Often the stock music apps are pretty crappy about AAC but sometimes not. Pretty common support by a number of apps.

Google Play music is all MP3 also without DRM - it's simply stored in a hidden folder not accessible except with Play Music OR root. If rooted, copy to public Music folder, play with any player.

So yeah - Apple iTunes and Google Play music are very much alike - not proprietary, no DRM, and play on just about anything.

And music I've bought on Google Play I've downloaded directly to my phone - no pc necessary.

 

[nickdalzell]

All Access as well as individual songs bought separate from All Access. they are the same. you cannot play them in any other app except Google Music. the format is proprietary. As i came from the inefficient nature of iTunes (needing a computer) i would rather not need a PC to use the stock music app on my phone. From now on, all my music comes from Amazon. i'm only purchasing the songs that are currently in my All Access library (as in never bought outright) so i can play them with my music app of choice, and eventually cancel All Access, and i'm not adding any more.

As for the free, unremovable music, that seems to be automatic. i never added those to my library at all.

Why should i need root to access downloaded music (another of Google's limits) when i can easily find Amazon Music purchases in 'downloads' where they belong? as stated i'll use any app i feel does the job. had i known better before adding 300 plus songs to Play Music perhaps things would be different.

I've also bought movies on Play Movies, and like their music app, you can't stream them via LAN with Plex or use another app to play them. In fact, even if you saved them for offline viewing, you can't stream them to a smart TV because it will error out saying 'to play this content on the selected screen, you must unpin it from your device'

Where i live, i am unable to get cable or DSL. my only internet connection is a 30GB Verizon HomeFusion Internet plan. as such, i don't really like Google forcing me to use the internet to play movies i bought on other media like casting to my TV via screen mirroring. Right now i'm in the process of not only finding an alternative that allows local streaming on Plex, but i've got my own server chock full of Amazon music and DVDs ripped to MP4 video saved in Plex.

 

[EarlyMon]

Here I am enjoying Louis Prima from my All Access account.

In fact, I enjoyed it so much, here I am after I've bought it and downloaded it.

And using root access to the file, here I am enjoying it in my favorite music player - that correctly identifies it as a very nice MP3 file.

No proprietary music codecs have been used anywhere in the food chain.

Just like iTunes. Here's an iTunes song.

You can access your purchased music with root, or a pc.

And never once see the front or back of anything proprietary.

 

[jhawkkw]

Also, Glass doesn't count as a standalone device - it only streams through your phone's Internet connection. So really it sounds like you're at 4 devices.

As someone with Google Glass, I can confirm it does in fact count as one of the 10 devices.

 

[nickdalzell]

Why should i have to root my device to play purchases from Google? not exactly the best decision. but then i've felt most decisions from Google suck. I don't use Play Store much these days anyway. I'll just keep using Amazon, Samsung Apps, and keep my menu key. choices FTW

As for iTunes, i tried that long ago. copied it to my Note 3. showed up fine, but try to play it gives me a toast alert saying 'unsupported type', throws a triangle notification saying 'This song cannot be played' and it skips and skips until it lands one one it could, such as a song bought from Amazon. now, Apple could have changed their DRM policy after iOS 7, but i'm out of the loop.

BTW if anyone knows of a movie service that allows local downloads that can then be streamed via Plex Media Server or casted via screen mirroring to my Samsung Smart TV, i'd appreciate it. not everyone has perfectly stable, unlimited internet access.

 

[EarlyMon]

You can play any of your purchases with the Play Music app. No root required.

You claimed that was because it was a proprietary format.

I proved that wrong.

It's because it's just easier for most people to have their music managed - it's called the easy button.

Either way - you're not out an extra dime unless you choose to be.

You want to re-purchase the music from Amazon, great, enjoy.

All I ask is that you stop telling people that proprietary formats are used - because it's not true.

 

[nickdalzell]

i didn't purchase all the 300 songs in my Play Music Library. only like ten, to find out that they were inaccessible in any other app i wanted to use. i'm purchasing only those that i want to keep offline and playable without root or being forced to use Google's unintuitive app to play, but so far they only exist in my All Access. that's costing me $10 per month plus i can't use them on the app i want (my G2 has the latest Verizon firmware making it unrootable). i am only keeping the subscription active until i get all those songs from Amazon, so i can cut Google out completely. until then i need to know the names of the songs so the Play Music app lets me see that. there's no way i can remember 300 song titles, plus until i can buy all of them, i might want to play them, so i keep Play Music around for that.

I know i can play all the music i own on Play Music. except i despise Play Music as an app. i much prefer either LG's polished music app/widget, or Samsung's. I don't need root to play purchases made on Amazon.

Bottom line I'm just tired of Google's crap lately. just takes time to move everything over is all.