Web giants Google and Facebook are introducing applications that will give music fans the ability to find and sample songs on the Web.

Google’s new service will combine its search engine capabilities with streaming and purchasing functions powered by music sites such as lala.com and MySpace’s ILike application.

“I figured it was only a matter of time before Google launched something like this,” said Marysville junior Ryan Wurmlinger. “I personally can’t wait to try it out. I’m constantly looking for new Web sites that you can listen to music on.”

After searching for an artist on the site, the new function will provide users with song samples, information about albums and artist biographies.

Social networking Web site Facebook also is teaming up with lala.com to power a new music gifting application that enables users to purchase song MP3s or “websongs” and send them to friends.

The site is expanding on current gifting applications that allow users to purchase virtual plants and pictures of birthday cakes with a credit card and send them to their friends.

“I think it’s logical for social networking sites to try to offer services to increase their usability with their users,” said Broadcast and Cinematic Arts instructor Trey Stohlman. “However, I think they also need to consult their users to find out what services they would like to see added before they just start making changes. I know several people upset about the recent changes to the Facebook interface.”

MyMusic

Google and Facebook are not the only Web sites going through transitions.

According to the Financial Times, MySpace is officially moving from a social networking site to focus more on music and entertainment.

“Facebook is not our competition,” MySpace CEO and former Facebook executive Chris Dewolfe told the Financial Times. “We’re very focused on a different space.”

MySpace is still one of the Web’s most visited sites at 100 million users, but is behind Facebook’s 300 million users.

MySpace recently teamed with iTunes giving users the ability to buy songs without leaving the site.

“I think this is a great idea for MySpace,” Stohlman said. “They know they can’t compete, but also know a lot users and industry professionals used the service for music distribution and promotion. I think they’ve found their niche and are making smart decisions at this point.”

Smiths Creek junior Deedra McKeand also agrees with MySpace’s new business model.

“I think it’s a good move for MySpace because no one really goes on that site for social networking anymore,” McKeand said. “The only use I get out of MySpace is for checking out bands and listening to music.”

E-mail the author: Luke Dimick