Google hopes to compete with iTunes, offer pay TV on YouTube

Google is reportedly looking to get into the pay-per-episode TV business with YouTube by offering streaming content for purchase via a service that would compete with iTunes downloads.

According to Peter Kafka of MediaMemo, multiple sources have indicated that YouTube hopes to offer streaming TV episodes for a fee. The plan would be similar to what Apple already offers with iTunes: a $1.99 cost per episode. Both sides are said to currently be in early negotiations, but are “optimistic” that a deal can be reached.

But a key difference for consumers would be the fact that the YouTube stream would cost the same price as iTunes, even though it would seem to offer less functionality. iTunes TV and movie downloads are saved locally on the user’s system, where they can be shared with a host of Apple devices, including iPods, iPhones, the Apple TV, and other machines.

Read more: appleinsider.com