https://techcrunch.com/2019/04/18/youtube-music-is-now-free-with-ads-on-google-home-devices/

Following reports that Amazon is preparing to launch a free, streaming music service for Echo owners, Google today announced YouTube Music will be free on its Google Home smart speakers and other Google Assistant-powered speakers — like those from JBL, Panasonic, Sony and others. The free service will be ad-supported, and available in select markets, including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, parts of Europe and elsewhere.

The move appears to be a preemptive strike in light of Amazon’s plans. Bloomberg had reported last week that Amazon would soon launch a free streaming service and Spotify competitor to better cater to its Echo device owners.