Online search giant Google has acquired streaming music service Songza as it attempts to ramp up its fledgling online music service.
Songza creates "expert-curated" music playlists intended to match users' activities and tastes and the four-year-old service is expected to remain unchanged following the acquisition.
It is understood the deal is likely to be worth more than $15 million and Songza will continue to operate from New York.
Google launched a $9.99-per-month Play All Access subscription music service in 2013, and the company said last month its YouTube video website was preparing to launch a paid streaming service.
The deal comes one month after Apple acquired Dr Dre’s headphone firm Beats for $3 billion.
Apple's purchase of Beats, which also touted its expertise curating music playlists, was viewed as an effort to jump-start Apple's position in the fastest-growing segment of the music market.
Sales of digital music downloads have declined in recent months, while streaming services such as Pandora Media and Spotify have become increasingly popular with consumers.
Additional reporting by Reuters
