Zinio Announce Digital Magazines

Printed magazines have many uses. They are ideal coffee table mates and a good bathroom companion. Endless hours can be wasted with friends debating over why that Hollywood starlet is really in rehab, as well as providing light reading. And they are the best fly swatters.

Magazines are now being digitalised for downloading onto Apple’s iPhone and iTouch devices. Zinio Labs recently released a press statement explaining their plans to introduce Zinio Mobile Newsstands to allow users to download a selection of magazines onto their iPhones.

Zinio describe themselves as ‘the leading digital and publishing platform for magazines and books’ and the CEO, Rich Maggiotto, is enthusiastic about its partnership with Apple and their ability to help publishers reach new brand of readers.

“Users will benefit from having their magazines in a high-fidelity, portable format that can be viewed practically anywhere,” says Maggiotto. As for the reasons why he chose Apple’s shiniest new gadget, he adds that it was “natural for the launch of the Zinio Mobile Newsstand […] With its advanced touch screen technology and crisp viewing experience.”

The magazines will be digitalized in its entirety and loyal readers will not miss out on sections and articles that they would usually get with a print edition. As a bonus, they will also initially be offered for free and can choose international editions too.

There are obvious upsides to having all the issues of your favorite magazines held in the palm of your hand. No longer will you have to search through dozens of issues to find that one recipe to show your friend, instead you’re able to find it with a touch of the screen. It could also lead to less ink and paper wastage and be an end to those annoying advertising inserts.

Zinio assure that no advertising opportunities will be lost through their marketing programs which include “cross-promotion to seamless production services, a robust e-commerce engine and extensive digital delivery, circulation and fulfillment services.” However, it may have an affect on pass-along readership as many people could feel reluctant on passing on their expensive iPhones and iTouches – even to their friends.

But will it really be an instant hit? Apple’s products are eagerly waited for and fly off the shelves quicker than the factories can cope. The iPhone sold one million units within its first 75 days of release. However, it is well-known that many of their products, particularly first generation versions, are littered with bugs that affect its overall performance and the company release updated and next generation models within a year.

Currently the iTouch has come under some criticism for the screen freezing and therefore not allowing the device to function properly. Surely this would present a huge problem when reading a magazine on the iTouch.
With popular magazines such as Men’s Health, NME, Playboy and Popular Mechanics among others available for download, it maybe a wiser idea for Zinio, if not readers, to wait until Apple solves their bug problems before downloading the newest issues.

After all, you can't roll up an iPhone to swat a fly.