News Corp’ iPad title will collects subs data for the media owner
News Corp has launched its iPad-only news title The Daily, under Apple’s first in-app subscription model for publishers.
Much to the frustration of publishers, most apps to date have been born under the constraints of Apple – a 30% cut on sales and no opportunity to collect subscription information to name but two – and it’s this that has stymied any real advancement of apps as a viable revenue stream.
The Daily, however, will be the first to collect subscription data through in-app capabilities, while a “push” subscription feature will automatically renew subscriptions.
Pitched as an “all-media” news product, it spans text, audio, image and video content, with capability to interact with and manipulate images. Users can leave audio comments, while live Twitter feeds from commentators and celebrities will feature within articles.
The Daily, at a subscription cost of 99c (61p) a week, will feature up to 100 “pages” of news every day, with content updated daily, and the potential to “break” news as and when it happens.
The app allows users to share on social media platforms and email, as well as link in and out to the internet.
Users picking up recommended Daily stories online through such means can access those items free of charge, though those attempting to access The Daily online will be met with a paywall.
Apple’s iTunes chief, Eddy Cue, indicated that Apple will make further announcements on its subscription model for publishers.
