Apple Watch Update, Meredith’s Acquisition of Grocery Server, Time Inc.’s Progress Report, the Power of Print, TFP’s Infographic Pick of the Week, InDesign CC Tip: PDF Export View Options
Welcome to Technology for Publishing’s roundup of news and tips for media industry pros! This week, we’re sharing stories about the future of the Apple Watch, Meredith’s purchase of a location-based ad platform, Time Inc.’s progress since its spinoff from parent Time Warner, the coexistence of digital and print, and more.
- While the Apple Watch launched with much fanfare and impressive preorder numbers, there’s since been mixed opinions on sales and debate about whether the device will end up in the “dud” or “paradigm shift” category, as an article from Editor & Publisher explores (also see posts from Fast Co., Quartz, and Recode). All agree the major problem for publishers is that the small screen size limits them to one-screen text alerts, which users can find pretty annoying given all the other notifications (email, social media, reminders, etc.) vibrating on their wrist all day long. One solution is to move from text to graphically packaged content that can be consumed at a glance, the article says, but so far publishers haven’t been able to do that successfully. Still, it argues, the device “knows who you are, where you are, what you are doing, and what you are likely to want to do next,” making it and other smartwatches the potential model for future master controllers of the emerging Internet of Things.
- Meredith took another step in its effort to merge mobile, e-commerce, and native advertising with its purchase of Grocery Server, a location-based ad platform for food and retail brands. Its popular AllRecipes.com site, which has a large mobile audience, began using the digital shopping technology last year to show readers where they can buy recipe ingredients near them—a handy feature aimed at enhancing the user experience. On the flip side, the platform helps advertisers better connect with consumers through native ads, sales and promotions, and product recommendations, according to Advertising Age. The plan, Meredith said, is to eventually roll out the technology to other categories as well.
- A year in from its Time Warner spinoff, print-centric Time Inc.’s financial outlook remains precarious, with ad revenue continuing to decline. But the publisher hasn’t been standing still, according to Digiday, which outlined how the company is investing in digital and other initiatives designed to cut costs and diversify its revenue streams. For one, it’s doubled its digital audience across sites like Fortune, InStyle, and People, with comScore reporting 104 million U.S. uniques in May, the article notes. The company is also going big on web and digital video, with plans to produce some 10,000 videos this year alone. Other efforts include the addition of digital-only properties, a common CMS for all of its sites, strategic acquisitions, and the rollout of new paywalls.
- Although talk of print “going away” persists, some industry observers are seeing signs to the contrary, according to a Folio column by Economist CMO Michael Brunt. He points out that an increasing number of younger readers say they’re often overwhelmed by social media and their level of connectedness, and that consumers of all ages view print publications as “experiential” products, placing value on “the experience of holding a print magazine in their hands.” (Think relaxing on the beach with your toes in the sand and a big glossy volume to lazily flip through!) That’s not to say migration to digital will swing in the other direction, though. Instead, what we’re likely to see is a leveling out, Brunt says, where various content types will make up different markets.
- On the Technology for Publishing blog: If you’re in the content business, some basic knowledge of software coding is a must. Our Infographic Pick of the Week offers a quick overview of what you need to know about the top programming languages and which can best help you meet your objectives.
- Check off another item on your InDesign wish list: Adobe added the ability to control how a PDF appears when a user first opens it. This week’s InDesign CC Tip has all the details.
- ICYMI: See our latest Media Metrics roundup, along with this month’s Women in Media post on powerful women in tech, a new content channel geared toward women, and how one EIC helped her lifestyle magazine grow through lean times, among other highlights.
Image: Recode
Check out our blog for highlights of interesting and noteworthy stories from the publishing world every Friday, and sign up for TFP’s This Week in Publishing newsletter. Think we missed something great? Let us know! Leave a comment below or drop us a note.
Posted by: Monica Sambataro
