Google announced today at CES that it will begin allowing consumers to buy videos from major content partners through the Google site and will also roll out a new downloadable bundle of software for consumers that could heighten Google’s competition with Microsoft.
Under the major upgrade to Google’s video-search service, consumers will be able to pay to download and view videos, such as television shows, on their computers from Google content partners such as TV companies.
Google plans to announce partnerships with some major players tomorrow, including CBS Corp. and the National Basketball Association. By virtue of Google’s huge presence online, the move could place Google in competition with other emerging powers in Internet distribution of video such as Apple. While the prices of these downloadable video prices are unknown, it is estimated to be around the same price Apple offers on their music store.
[UPDATE] Google Store is up and running!
TV Shows (CSI, NOVA, Brady Bunch, Star Trek) $1.99 episode
Movies (Independent Films) $2.99 - $14.99 movie
Music Videos (System of a Down, Kelly Clarkson) $1.99 video
Sporting Events (Basketball Classic) $3.95 episode
