Sony and Universal have created a vending machine called Pop that sells DVDs, Blu-ray discs and MP3 music tracks.

Users select a disc or song using a touchscreen and pay via debit or credit card. For video games and films with an 18 age rating a credit card must be used.

Music downloads are available as MP3 files and cost £1 each. Buyers can plug a compatible music player into the machine or save the file to an SD memory card.

Rachel Wilkinson, head of Pop, said: “Research suggested that people love the concept of instant purchasing gratification at their convenience. You can already do this at home via the internet, but Pop is the first to offer this service to customers while they are out and about.”

The Pop machines will initially be installed in cinemas and gyms. The companies plan to use them at shopping centres, universities, train stations and airports in the near future.