Google may be about to heighten tensions with Apple following reports that the Internet giant is working on launch this year of a music download service tied to its search engine. According to a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report, the Google music service would then later develop into an online ‘cloud-based’ subscription service that runs on Android devices. No specific details were mentioned in the report.

The WSJ article notes that Google has already pushed into music and begun linking to partner websites such as iLike and Pandora through its search engine, allowing users to stream songs with one click from its search page. Google’s entry into music stores would pit itself against Apple’s iTunes store. According to the WSJ report, Google’s push into music retailing is “likely to be welcomed by music labels that are increasingly concerned about Apple’s dominant position among US music retailers.” Interestingly, Apple recently acquired and then closed online music service Lala.com, leading to speculation it too might also soon launch a new cloud-based version of iTunes.