HMV unveils new digital music app for smartphones

Retailer HMV has moved into digital entertainment, unveiling its new digital music store and smartphone app.

The company, which was bought by Hilco Capital in April, said the new app would allow users to discover and buy music from its online catalogue,

The app, which is available on iOS and Android, is free of charge and will be available to Irish users over the next couple of weeks.

Users can browse the digital catalogue and buy or pre-order MP3s, which are added to the customer’s digital locker. The purchased tracks can be integrated into existing iTunes or Windows Media libraries on Macs or PCs.

Music can also be discovered by scanning images of CD or album covers and previewing 30 second samples of the tracks; in store, HMV has provided wifi to allow users to browse and sample albums on their phones. A”sound search” has also been integrated into the app, which will identify music from a short clip.

The company said its digital music store will be fully integrated into the new website hmv.com, which is due to launch next week.

“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,” said James Coughlan, HMV Digital’s managing director. “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!”

HMV recently began reopening stores in Ireland, with four opened in the past five weeks and 28 dual branded HMV/Xtravision stores planned throughout the country.