Apple customers dissatisfied with iPad
Following the seemingly successful sales launch of the iPad in the USA, critical voices are now being raised. These are related to the excessively high prices for digital newspaper content.
American magazines such as the Times and daily newspapers such as the Wall Street Journal were already offering specially programmed digital editions when the iPad went on sale. However, the first buyers are not at all enthusiastic about the new offer. This is primarily due to the excessive price differences between the digital and print offerings. Time charges 4.99 dollars per iPad edition. The content in the print version costs users less than 40 cents. The situation is similar with the Wall Street Journal, although the price differences are less striking.
According to the Tages-Anzeiger, one reason for the price increases is the iTunes business model, in which Apple now also sells books, newspapers and magazines in addition to music, series and films. Apple receives 30 percent of the proceeds. Publishers could even become dangerously dependent if Apple were to set up a kiosk for newspapers and magazines alongside the iBooks book corner and thus monopolize the sale of digital news, the Tages-Anzeiger continues.
Nevertheless, most publishing houses are taking their first steps with the new medium. The publishing house Tamedia is also planning an offer - together with Ringier, NZZ and Swisscom.
According to the Tages-Anzeiger, one reason for the price increases is the iTunes business model, in which Apple now also sells books, newspapers and magazines in addition to music, series and films. Apple receives 30 percent of the proceeds. Publishers could even become dangerously dependent if Apple were to set up a kiosk for newspapers and magazines alongside the iBooks book corner and thus monopolize the sale of digital news, the Tages-Anzeiger continues.
Nevertheless, most publishing houses are taking their first steps with the new medium. The publishing house Tamedia is also planning an offer - together with Ringier, NZZ and Swisscom.
