Google has opened a digital music store in a direct ­challenge to Apple’s iTunes and Amazon’s online shop.

Digital songs can be purchased online at the Android Market using computer web browsers, and the service will be rolled out to Android-powered smartphones and tablet computers in coming days.

Google signed three of the four major record labels – Universal, EMI, and Sony Music – with the hold-out being Warner Music, home to Madonna and other artists.

Coldplay, Shakira, and the Rolling Stones teamed with Google to celebrate the music store launch by making free or exclusive tracks available.

One perk of the new ­service is the ability to share songs bought at the Android music shop with friends on the Google+ social network for one-time ­listening.

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