HMV launches innovative digital music store

HMV today announced the launch of a new digital music store and smartphone app, marking the first phase of the retailer’s much anticipated entry into digital entertainment since the company was acquired by Hilco Capital in April.

The innovative HMV app, available from Thursday 17th October free of charge from the iOS and Android app stores in the UK and on the 24th October in Ireland, allows users to shop, look and listen by combining image search and sound search technology with high quality MP3 downloads for the first time. 

Shop

Users can browse HMV’s digital catalogue and buy or pre-order MP3s. MP3 purchases are added to the user’s digital locker and a Download Manager seamlessly integrates purchases into the user’s existing iTunes or Windows Media library on their PC or Mac.  

The HMV app is the first non-iTunes-based service on Apple's iOS platform to allow the purchase of digital music downloads through a native app experience. 

The app scores another global win as the only service other than iTunes to offer MP3 pre-orders on mobile platforms.

Look

Image Search enables users to scan CD or album covers with their Apple or Android phone to access 30 second track previews and buy MP3 downloads. 

In HMV’s stores, Image Search provides a 21st century take on the music store listening booths of old. A simple scan of the album cover or the Singles Chart graphics in store will allow music lovers to sample each track on their own device before they buy. HMV has installed wifi in all its stores specifically to support this feature.

At home or on the move, users can now scan album artwork on CDs, posters or adverts to preview and buy music direct from HMV.

Listen 

Sound Search lets users discover the tunes they hear around them every day, whether it’s the music playing in store at HMV or a track playing on the radio, and buy an MP3 download immediately.

HMV’s digital music store will be fully integrated into the new hmv.com which is set to launch next week, extending the ability to listen to and buy digital music to all platforms, including Mac OS X, Windows PC and Blackberry 10 and Windows smartphones.

James Coughlan, Managing Director of HMV Digital, commented: 

“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, CEO 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."

"Integrating a 'listening post' Image Search feature will enhance the shopping experience as music fans scan and sample albums in store over our newly-fitted high speed wifi before deciding to buy either the physical or digital product direct from HMV."

"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."

October 17, 2013 8:32am ET by HMV   Comments (0)

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