Is the iPad the future of publishing?
The much-hyped and long-awaited Apple iPad is set to be released soon, and many are hoping it will give the publishing and media sectors a much-needed boost. But is this really the case, or will it completely obliterate traditional media forms to the detriment of book-lovers and authors alike?
Book reader applications for the iPad are proving exceedingly popular, with 250,000 digital book downloads on the very first day of the devices’ US release, and publishers are hoping it will drastically improve their fortunes revenue-wise.
However, many claim the iPad cannot save traditional forms of media such as newspapers and books. In fact, it may actually make things worse. Newspapers will not receive as much revenue from subscriptions, circulation or advertisers, and will only make small savings on printing and distribution.
As much most of like to read news online, I personally believe there will never be an adequate replacement for the traditional book.