HMV Disappointed After Apple Suspends Music Download App
Tuesday, 22 October 2013
Written by Elliott Batte
The bosses at HMV have been left ‘disappointed’ after Apple suspended its new digital music app.
We reported last week that the company had launched the new service, which allows users to download content from the HMV digital record store to iTunes and Windows Media Player libraries. It was the first non-iTunes-based service on Apple's iOS platform to allow the purchase of digital music downloads through a native app experience.
But this week, HMV chiefs have spoken about their disappointment after Apple suspended the app.
Chairman of HMV and CEO of Hilco Capital Paul McGowan has said via a statement:
“It is disappointing that Apple has chosen to suspend an app that has proven to be very successful in only a few short days despite Apple having already approved the exact same version on 15th September.
“We are unable to explain the change in Apple's position as we have been given no explanation by them as to any difference they view between the approved version and the one suspended this evening.”
McGowan went on to say:
"The Android and HTML versions of the app are spectacular and are proving a big hit with UK consumers with downloads growing constantly over the last few days. They will also be launched in Ireland on 24th October and we have pencilled in a Canadian launch during November.”
The HMV boss took to Twitter earlier today, hinting that Apple were concerned with competition with iTunes, the tweet was later deleted.
"'Remove the capability for digital purchasing or the #hmvapp will be suspended from the AppStore' on Monday!!", said McGowan before finally adding the hashtag "#GoAndroid".
#hmv unable to remove music download function from #hmvapp before 6pm deadline for resubmission. App Status changed to "Removed From Sale"
HMV went into administration back in January with many stores and jobs lost. The company has since been rescued by financial restructuring group Hilco and are currently in transition between owners. The HMV digital music store and app is part of a new HMV website that will launch this week.
What do you think of the news? Leave us a comment in the box below!
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
We don't run any advertising! Our editorial content is solely funded by lovely people like yourself using Stereoboard's listings when buying tickets for live events. To keep supporting us, next time you're looking for concert, festival, sport or theatre tickets, please search for "Stereoboard". It costs you nothing, you may find a better price than the usual outlets, and save yourself from waiting in an endless queue on Friday mornings as we list ALL available sellers!
