Loads of rumours are flying around about the predicted launch of an Apple Tablet, which we now hear could be called the iSlate. Apple's stock hit an all time high, they've rented space for an event on 26 Jan, and they have a history of releasing products around the time of CES. One thing is for sure is that if Apple doesn't release a Tablet computer, everyone will be very disappointed (and someone else will release one).
The thing that interests me most about the Apple Tablet rumours are how it affects publishing. It would be very interesting timing considering the amount of backlash Murdoch got last year for looking to introduce pay walls to content on the web.
The problem with the web for publishers is that the whole thing is built around a system that is designed to disseminate information freely and anonymously around the world. Great content always wins, but with so much great content around easily available, its really hard to get anyone to pay for it online.
What a lot of publishers expected was that print advertising revenue would decline, and online advertising revenue would increase to meet it. For most publishers, this has not happened yet, and is not likely to.
This is why I am personally excited by the possibility of an Apple Tablet being released. I see mobile computing as a saviour for publishing. I already use Guardian's iPhone app every day, and it only costs £2.39. But I would happily pay more (and monthly), if it was available on a bigger portable screen. The beauty of mobile is that everyone using a mobile is paying. And on Smart Phone platforms such as Apple iPhone or Google Android, payment is a concept that is built into the platform. I hope that if a Tablet comes out, that it comes out with a great new platform for buying magazines and books.
Having worked in developing technology for print advertising production for nearly 10 years, I was interested to see this from Conde Nast and this from Time Inc. With the thought that one company could create a device that could reach a load of people, and potentially produce consistent colour (as it controls the hardware), you all of a sudden have something that could have all the advantages of print without all the problems of ink & paper.
So what happens with print? Well, you start to do some really innovate stuff with it. This is what we've been seeing. Publishers are looking to create new formats, new shapes and sizes, and move the boundaries as to what we can do with print. And you can combine new technology with print (such as augmented reality).
This is what we're seeing, and this is how Specle will move in 2010. We are committed to providing service to this industry, and we are a small, dynamic team, and can respond quickly.
In 2010, Specle will be adapting its business and its business model. The biggest interest we had in 2009 was in how well we presented print ad specifications online. In 2010 this will be our core focus. Specle's business is to help publishers present complex technical information online about new advertising formats, and new advertising media clearly to agencies. We will be helping publishers accept and embrace change by making it easy for them to instantly communicate ad specification changes to the network of creative agencies.
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Good post Tom, I agree. As someone who spends a lot of time reading stuff online that 10 years ago would have been only available in print, I'm quite excited about the potential for a new device/format for textual content. I hope however that it's an open standard, as no matter how covetous an Apple tablet might be, the market for the content will be much greater than those who can justify purchasing such a device.
Posted by: Mike | 04 January 2010 at 02:09 PM