Nokia has released a Nokia Music app for Windows 8 and Window RT through the Windows Store. Complementing the web-based HTML 5 version of Nokia Music+, and carrying the same look and feel as the Windows Phone version, it brings the complete Nokia Music experience to desktop computers, laptops, and tablets running Windows 8.

Key features of the app include access to hundreds of hand-crafted play lists (mixes), support for downloading mixes for offline play back, creation of artist mixes, the ability play back locally stored mp3 music files, the display of artist information and track lyrics, and integration with Windows 8 platform features.

Notable Windows 8 features include support for Snap View (a mini view that lets you see now playing information and music controls when using another app), search integration (search for artists or mixes by name), and Play To support (send audio via a local network to any DNLA compatible device, such as a TV or stereo).

Nokia Music for Windows 8 is best used with a Nokia Music+. This version of the Nokia Music service, which is also available on Windows Phone and was launched earlier this year, is a premium, subscription, version of the standard service that comes free with all Nokia Lumia devices. The premium version allows for unlimited skips, unlimited downloads (of music mixes), higher quality streaming and downloads, and enables the display of lyrics.

While the Windows 8 app does work without a Nokia Music+ subscription, mixes are limited to 30 second sample clips, limiting the utility of the app. As with the Windows Phone version, a free 7 day trial is available, which should be enough time to let you decide whether you want to pay the £3.99 monthly subscription.

So why have Nokia chosen to release a desktop client app for Nokia Music? The answer is surprisingly simple. A desire to use the service on other devices has been one of the most frequent pieces of feedback received by the Nokia Music team.

The impicit assumption is that most users will download and install the app after using it on their smartphone. Nokia Music's presence on Windows 8 should therefore not been taken as a desire by Nokia to start chasing a services-on-every-platform model, but rather as a natural extension of the mobile service, rather than a stand alone Windows 8 offering. The emphasis continues to be on creating the best mobile first music discovery offering, something that contrasts with most other music services. That said, if it encourages consumers to stay within the Windows ecosystem, neither Nokia, nor Microsoft will be complaining.

More information on Nokia Music for Windows 8 can be viewed the listing for the app in the Windows Store. The app is available now from the Windows Store in the UK, US, Ireland and Australia. It will be rolling to all counties with Nokia Music+ in the coming weeks.