Electronic newspapers: Publishers start pilot test
Tamedia, Ringier and NZZ are planning to sell newspapers digitally on a joint platform called Codex from the fall. The book publisher Orell Füssli is also involved and intends to offer electronic books. Swisscom will be responsible for the technical implementation.
In a pilot phase from May to July, 150 readers are to be equipped with an e-reader, according to a report in the Sonntagszeitung. It is not yet clear exactly which publishers' titles are included in the test offer. Payment will be made in a fictitious currency. The publishers want to understand what readers are prepared to pay for and how much. Definitive prices for the commercial launch in the fall have not yet been decided. The option of a personalized newspaper is also being discussed.
Preventing dependence on Apple
In the music business, Apple can now dictate prices thanks to the iPod and the iTunes online store. With the launch of the Codex platform, publishers are trying to prevent a similar dependency in the newspaper and book business: Although the plan is to sell their own e-readers, the Codex platform is intended to be compatible with third-party products. The iPad should therefore also be able to be served with digital Swiss newspapers in the fall.
