The Express is developing an Apple iPad application which will offer free online content as well as a subscriber-based replica of the newspaper.
This subscription will be free in the first week after download, with the full service offering video content and music playback from the iTunes library. The cost of this app will be £1.79.
The digital magazine specialist PageSuite has provided the software thus far, and is thought to be in discussions with other major newspaper publishers about taking their brands onto the iPad.
Express Newspapers, parent company of the newspaper brands, will become one of the first British national newspapers on the iPad, who’s launch in the UK has been delayed until the end of May due to strong demand in the US.
The group will also be looking to launch similar iPad apps for its Daily Star and Daily Star Sunday national newspaper brands.
Once again, this shows the ability of newspapers to move with technological innovations and enhance their offerings beyond standard print. However, is the Express the right paper to be pioneering this opportunity? One could argue its older readers may be less tech-savvy and hence unwilling to pay a subscription for the privilege.
Looking forwards, the Star may prove to be a more suitable title to bring to the iPad, considering its younger, more tech-savvy readership.
