HMV launches digital music store and smartphone app
HMV has launched a digital music store and smartphone app as part of the first phase of its entry into the digital entertainment market.
The app, which is free of charge and available from today in iOS and Android app stores in the UK and on 24 October in Ireland, allows users to shop, look and listen by combining image search and sound search technology with MP3 downloads for the first time.
The HMV image search feature, which is complemented by the sound search function, enables users to scan a picture of an album cover and immediately listen to 30-second previews and buy MP3 downloads.
HMV, which was acquired by Hilco Capital in April after falling into administration earlier this year, said the new digital music store will be fully integrated into the new HMV website which is set to launch next week.
James Coughlan, managing director of HMV Digital, said: “I’m excited to say that we’re putting music ownership back into focus with the launch of our new digital music products. For the first time, music lovers have the ability to experience the traditional feel of HMV on the high street and have the option to discover and build a digital music collection, delivered and managed across devices, from HMV, the Home of Entertainment.”
“An exciting vision is unfolding and I look forward to announcing further developments regarding our plans for 2014 in the coming weeks – this is just the beginning!”
Paul McGowan, chief executive of Hilco Capital and Chairman of HMV, added: “HMV’s position at the heart of entertainment retail demands that we enable customers to buy their music from HMV in the way that best suits them and to engage more closely with the music, video and gaming worlds.
“The new website, launching next week, together with a revitalised YouTube channel will start the journey towards enhancing the experience of interacting with the entertainment industry, an engagement that will be further increased by the massive ramp-up in the number of live events being held within our stores on an ongoing basis.”
