As this lecture started, I recalled a vivid memory of walking out of the Apple store the week the iPad was released. That day, my friends had dragged me in there despite my opposition to Apple’s latest product. I wasn’t sold on the idea of the iPad; in my mind it was just another way for Apple to make money- I mean, how was it any different from a larger version of the iPod touch? As time has gone on since this incident, the iPad has grown on me, but I still wasn’t convinced that it was any different from other Apple products.
However, my mind has been changed. The discussion panel showed me the major differences between uses for iPads and other Apple products, as well has how applications are changing industries. I was particularly interested in learning about the effects of apps on the magazine industry, and print journalism in general, as it is my hopeful future career.
One major difference between an iPad and an iPhone is the difference between portable and mobile. News sites, such as the New York Times, are more conducive to apps on mobile devices, because the news is always changing and updating, and can be checked quickly and often. Apps based off magazines, on the other hand, prove more effective on portable devices such as the iPad. The iPad provides an ideal place to read magazines because it gives readers the longform journalism they are yearning for once again.
Another major difference between magazine apps and others is that those for magazines are “off.” There is no need for interactivity, as opposed to “on” apps requiring touchable interactions and movements. The panelists noted that magazines have never truly embraced the web the way some of their media counterparts have, and they need to change their frequency to keep up. However, as the old adage goes “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” There is no need for interactivity solely for interactivity’s sake.
I think that these presents an interesting conundrum for the future of magazines as far as web applications go. However, according to the panelists, magazines can (and should) capitalize on their “off” status. People want to relax and sit back with a magazine. It should be a time of leisurely browsing, as opposed to constant movement and updates. The iPad grants a perfect platform for this sort of application, the kind that would be difficult on a phone or iPod.
I am interested to see how these emerging technologies change the magazine industry. There is definitely going to be some overhaul in the near future, and I look forward to observing it.
