Watching print publications begin to adapt to digital technology has been an incredibly fascinating experience. Many companies are beginning to change the minds of skeptics who once believed the birth of the eReader would spell the death for the printed word. Magazines have always held a place in our heart for their rich imagery, focused reporting, and constant material.
One thing we disliked about magazines, however, is how they managed to accumulate in our apartment. Thankfully, those days are in the past with many of our favorite magazines beginning to release digital versions of their offerings, built specifically for the iPad and its functionality. So not only are you getting the same content you would in the magazine, but in many cases, it is improved. After the jump are some of the best apps we’ve worked with as well as their unique characteristics which help make them a viable competitor in the digital age...
Popular Science
- “Browse” mode which removes text so you can enjoy the photos and illustrations, unobstructed
- Bookmarked pages, find exactly what you’re looking for later on
- Download magazines permanently. Perfect for offline reading
Wired
- Phenomenal interactive qualities
- Distinct browsing capabilities to help navigate the page
- Content unique specifically to the digital version
- Social Networking capabilities
- Advertising enhancements
Business Week
- Beautiful redesign of entire magazine
- Exclusive audio/video content
- Live information feeds of companies (stocks, news, etc..)
- The video says it all, really.
If you're looking for an abundance of magazines to tote around on your iPad, the Zinio app is an excellent way to collect digital versions. Obviously they're not all as uniquely customized as the above mentioned apps, but it is a great resource for someone looking for a magazine that has not yet developed a full-fledged app.
(Flickr member: Willow (Chengyin) licensed for use under Creative Commons)
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usually the digital version is more expensive (but for many magazines, free if you have a paper subscription...which makes the whole thing kinda pointless) and from my experience the extra features in the ipad version do not justify the extra cost. Elle magazine is a good example of that.
Exactly Niche!
I don't understand why I would pay more the digital version. There's no printing cost so it should be a fraction of the actually paper version.
I've tried them all and the only one I actually ready is Richard Branson's "Project" Magazine.
I think what makes it so good is they never had a print version. It was designed from the ground up for the ipad and it show.
I'm a fan of Zinio, through which I read Esquire and National Geographic.
This list isn't complete without the amazing adaptation of the UK market EVO magazine for iPad. (I no financial or other interest)
Worth noting is POST, which is allegedly the first magazine designed specifically for the iPad (there's no print version). Its design is firmly rooted in traditional magazines, but it offers a level of interactivity you can't get on paper.
I also like the Edition29 apps, especially their Architecture and TheRides (cars) flavors. Solid layout with integrated audio and video.
I'm also a big fan of the Cool Hunting app. While not technically a magazine, the layout for the iPad version of the blog is decidedly interactive-magazine-like.
I really love Le Kiosque App for iPad. It is a 3D Magazine Stand where you pick a magazine and have the choice to look through the first pages before you buy, and you also have the choice to look through back issues of about 6 issues each.
They have most of my favorite French Décor Magazines, including Maisons Côté Sud, Est, Ouest, or Paris. As well as Marie Claire Maison, ELLE Décoration, Art & Décoration, and others.
I also love the Côté Sud App, which isn't a magazine and doesn't sell magazines, but is associated with the magazine Maisons Côté Sud and has gorgeous photos and videos.
The down side is I can't seem to find these magazines around town in paper so easily by now. But other than the paper-less aspect the quality is beautiful in these magazines.