YouTube Music is now free with ads on Google Home devices
Following reports that Amazon is preparing to launch a free, streaming music service for Echo owners, Google today announced YouTube Music will be free on its Google Home smart speakers and other Google Assistant-powered speakers -- like those from JBL, Panasonic, Sony and others. The move appears to be a preemptive strike in light of Amazon's plans. Bloomberg had reported last week that Amazon would soon launch a free streaming service and Spotify competitor to better cater to its Echo device owners.