Editor-in-chief of iPad and tablet editions at Future Publishing Mike Goldsmith told news:rewired – media in motion today how interactive versions of publications are the future of multi-platform publishing.
He said they were “sexy” but “expensive” and would need some thought if they were going to be available across multiple devices. He also noted a particular difficulty with the fact that they have not been done before.
According to Goldsmith, interactive versions are “perfect” for the iOS experience and have proved to be popular with consumers. However, he did admit that they do not necessarily command a higher price point than the more basic digital replicas that some publications have opted for with their iPad and tablet apps. You can now read books as eBooks on a tablet for reading .
Both have challenges, expense and unknown but there are new readers waiting.
He went on to warn of readers’ expectations with interactive apps. He said a HD edition means that readers expect HD content and there’s no point in having an expensive app if the content does not give the same quality.
Goldsmith noted how clearly readers are in control now with reviews on the App Store affecting whether the digital editions do well. He added that due to this a digital replica version of publications cannot be a long term solution for larger brands as readers begin to have higher expectations.
