Yesterday, April 3rd 2010, Easter came early for Apple fanatics, gadget lovers and the like. The Wifi version of the Apple iPad found its way into the hands of those who took advantage of the first round of pre-orders.
New iPad owners found a stunning new device, with a beautiful interface and brilliant newly rebuilt default applications such as YouTube, Calendar, Photos and Videos. One of the most highly anticipated uses for this device is to read magazines and books in a new interactive digital way. You can download approximately 60 magazine publications within the App Store and their will be more added each day. I’ve found many magazines are utilizing the iBook-like shelf display showing each available edition on a bookcase for you to download and access.
A limited number of magazines were available on day one of the iPad, but perhaps the most prominent publication was TIME Magazine’s new magazine app. TIME Magazine will cost you $4.99 to download, but before downloading take a look at the TIME Magazine description…
“Experience TIME in a revolutionary new way. Download this week’s TIME magazine App and get the print edition of TIME plus additional international content, extra photo and video coverage, and live updates from TIME.com. This interactive edition features both landscape and portrait views, scroll navigation and customizable font sizes.”
Without a doubt, this iPad edition of TIME magazine is very sexy. However, you may have missed the “this week’s TIME magazine” part of the description. Many excited iPad owners downloaded this app expecting a little more bang for their buck…well 5 bucks. Currently, the average rating is 2.5 out of 5 stars. It’s been rated 57 times, with 25 upset users voting 1 out of 5 stars. Many who downloaded this app felt the description was unclear and foolish for spending $5 for one digital magazine. Let’s take a look at a couple key reviews that may sum it up best.
“Beware – 1 out of 5 stars
by Jimtowner – Version 0.0.9 – Apr 3, 2010
It’s my own fault, but in my excitement over the iPad I purchased this without realizing I was playing for ONE edition of TIME. In my haste, I thought the date referred to the release date for an App that would give continuing access to various TIME articles. As with some music on iTunes, I thought this was a pre-release.
Oh well, buyer beware. I would never pay $4.99 for a single edition of TIME in any form. I hope my mistake will help someone else to understand what they are actually purchasing before they buy. I also think TIME can be much clearer about what they are offering. As it stands, this app listing is bordering on misleading in my opinion. And yes, I understand that it’s my mistake.”
“$$$ – 1 out of 5 stars
by zxspectrum – Version 0.0.9 – Apr 3, 2010
So, they don’t pay for materials, shipping/distribution anymore…but the magazine is x15 times more expensive!! You can get 56 paper issues for $20! Seriously, you guys are finished.”
Based on my experience thus far with the App Store, perhaps the best advice I could give is before purchasing any app, be sure to read the description and pay close attention to user reviews. I’m hoping iPad users will learn from previous user’s mistakes and I’m crossing my fingers that future publishers will learn from TIME Magazine and other print publishers focusing a little too much on the $$$, rather than the customers.
The iPad experience is well on its way in transitioning to digital publications and changing the way we read magazines. The biggest barrier seems to be that many magazine publishers are having a difficult time learning the appropriate price points for these new interactive digital publications. TIME Magazine is just one example, but to me the most obvious with its popularity, unclear description and steep prices. Over time, I believe the apps will be improved, more affordable and that publishers will get it right, but perhaps it may be worth waiting before emptying your wallet.
What’s your impression of the prices of iPad magazines thus far? Are there any magazine apps you’re waiting for?
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