We all love automobiles in one-way or another. From the soccer mom who loves that her mini-van allows her to get all of her errands done, to the hot rod enthusiast who rebuilds and restores cars with only OEM parts. Vehicles are a major part of each of our lives in one-way or another. Mobile devices are also a part of our lives, so it comes as no surprise that these two facets of modern civilization would come together. Automotive publishers now have the opportunity to reach new and existing readers in a totally new way on iOS devices.
Car enthusiasts can purchase some their favorite auto magazines through Apple Newsstand, as well as some they probably didn’t even know. This allows consumers to read about the latest and greatest news from the worldwide automotive industry anytime they want, at one convenient location on their iOS device.
Newsstand auto titles
Aside from having your magazine subscriptions in one location, some content distributors also store the purchased content of registered users so consumers can read previously purchased issues, freeing up the magazine storage spot in your garage for more tools.
Autoweek offering in app social media
The auto magazine industry is also using interactivity in some titles. This gives users a much richer and more interactive experience with the publications content aside from just reading the static articles. PixelMags is one of the companies that offer interactive widget options to publishers, so readers can view slideshows or videos on featured vehicles. The interactivity can also connect to websites, social media and more, allowing users to share their experience with others.
Autoexpress offering in app videos
Having auto magazines on tablets is one example on how the publishing industry can thrive through new mediums, and bring more content to a larger audience than ever before.
A list of a few car magazines that can be found on Newsstand.
Audi Driver, Auto Express Magazine, Autoweek Magazine , Banzi, BMW Car, GT Porsche, Land Rover Monthly , Octane ,Performance VW, Performance BMW, Performance Ford, Retro Cars, Retro Ford , Total 911, Total Honda, Total Impreza, Total Nissan, Volkswagen Driver.
Writer: Jordon Anderson
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect those of PixelMags Inc.
Four Reasons I Read More Because of Digital Magazines 10/31/2011
I had a discussion a little while ago about readers transitioning from print media to digital media. The person I was discussing this with felt that in this age of tweets, Facebook posts and texting, that magazine articles are going to stray from being content rich pieces to small snippets of information in order to maintain the attention of consumers.
1. I always have my magazines at my fingertips:
I have read magazines my whole life. I started with Sports Illustrated for kids and now I am reading titles such as Autoweek, Men’s Health, SciFi Now and Play magazine. Reading magazines as a kid was limited to after school for about an hour when I could spare it. Now, with my digital subscriptions, I read magazines on long car trips, in line at movies and theme parks, and my wife and I read magazines together at home as well. I am reading more now, because I always have my device on hand, this lets me read at my convenience rather than trying to find time to catch up on my reading between work, family, school, and friends.
2. Magazine$ at a price I like:
I am a poor college student and in some cases a digital subscription is cheaper than a print subscription. I felt like I was behind in the news on games, movies, tech, etc... But now that I can have magazines that won’t destroy my entertainment budget. I can stay up to date on my interests, and plan my budget to afford the things I read about.
3. Less data usage:
It was always frustrating when I would use up my phone’s data plan half way through the month from watching trailers, or looking up entertainment information. Draining my data is a thing of the past now that I can have magazines downloaded directly to my device. I can spend as much time as I want reading up on my interests without worrying if I will use up all my data.
4. I have access to the magazines I want:
I was at the dentist the other day and they were behind in their patients. I spent about 20 extra minutes waiting for my turn in the chair. While I waited for my checkup, I looked at the array of magazines the office had for me to choose from. I could have the nature magazine from the 90’s, a magazine that featured the latest in shoe fashion and makeup, or there was the kid’s magazine with all the puzzles already done. All well written magazines, but they were either out dated, of no interest to me, or both. Luckily I had all the magazines I wanted on my device, I read about an upcoming movie I want to see, a videogame I have pre-ordered and reviews on some TV shows that I have yet been able to catch up on.
Having my magazines at a price I can afford whenever I want them is why I read more now then I have in the past. Do I sit down and read the entire magazine in one sitting? No, but I don’t have to. I can always pick the magazine back up when I want to. I have made the transition of reading snippets about my interests to enjoying rich articles full of information. I feel that as digital publications become the way consumers find information that publications will not have to sacrifice anything from their magazine to meet consumer needs.
Writer: Jordon Anderson
PixelMags Keeping the Magazine Experience Genuine 10/20/2011
PixelMags is a digital content distribution company, but what does that mean to consumers? In a nutshell, it means that PixelMags is bringing magazine titles to the portable devices we carry everyday.
Kim Haskell, president of PixelMags said, “PixelMags came out of the publishing business, and everything we do is to help publishers get more readers by delivering their content.” He continued, “what we want is to keep the readers experience with a digital magazine to be as good as reading a print edition.”
One way that PixelMags keeps the experience ideal is by keeping advertising in the magazines. A general reaction to this last statement might be shock and confusion because some think that advertising gets in the way of a consumer trying to read articles or watch programs. The fact of the matter is people love good advertising. A poll conducted by Harris Interactive before Super Bowl XLV – stated, “An estimated 54 percent of those watching Super Bowl XLV… will be glued to their seats for the commercials.” When Advertising is done right it is just as entertaining as the content the user is involved in weather its magazines television or the movie previews.
Magazine advertising is generally focused on the reader’s interest. For instance there are not high heel advertisements in a gaming magazine, nor is there muscle building supplement ads in a home and garden magazine. Magazines have allowed advertisers to show people products the readers are most likely interested in based on the magazines content. Entertaining and relevant ads are part of the fun of a magazine, and PixelMags gives readers the option to choose if they want to read the ads or to skip over them to read the rest of the magazines.
I myself am a gamer, and I subscribe to a few different gaming magazines distributed by PixelMags. While reading the latest issue of GamesTM magazine on my iPad, I found an ad that illustrates my point. It’s an ad for the upcoming 007 Golden Eye Reloaded game coming out for the new gaming consoles. Some of us may remember the Golden Eye game on the Nintendo 64 system. Now they are bringing the Golden Eye back “Refined and Recharged.”
When ads are done for the consumer then they can be part of the fun of reading a magazine. This is why PixelMags feels that keeping a magazine genuine is essential for a reader’s experience.
Writer: Jordon Anderson
Interactive Publications 10/10/2011
Magazines and catalogs have been around all of our lives, and until recently the two had only gone through subtle changes. Now that tablets and mobile media have taken consumers to a new world of exploring interests, connecting socially, and shopping on the web, catalogs and magazines are adapting to meet the needs of these modern-day consumers.
One way that magazine and catalog publishers have adapted is by distributing content digitally. Along with digital distribution Publishers have seen a way to expand their publications through interactivity.
PixelMags offers a variety of interactive options for any publication. The magazine DVM 360 has utilized some of PixelMags’ interactive options, which include instructional videos, quizzes, audios clips and live Twitter and Facebook feeds.
PixelMags’ message to all publishers is "You create. We deliver." Giving magazines of all varieties the ability to benefit from adding interactivity to digital content. Gaming magazines can show game trailers, concept art slide shows, or allow readers to purchase games while they read their magazine. Arts and crafts magazines can add demonstration videos, links for people with similar interests to connect via Twitter or Facebook, or slide shows of crafts from start to finish. If utilized properly, any magazine can benefit from adding interactive content.
The iPad catalog Grandin Road, uses many of PixelMags’ interactive features to showcase the catalogs products. The cover of Grandin Road’s October catalog utilizes interactivity by bringing readers to an in-app video of a young woman's journey though Halloween decor and costumes. Through the rest of the catalog, readers can either browse through the various Halloween goodies or look through Grandin Road's fall decor line.
The in-app purchasing feature, allows consumers the ability to simply tap on an item in the catalog that they are interested in, which will lead them to an in-app store where consumers can add items into a digital shopping cart. Once a consumer has chosen all of the merchandise they want to buy, they can then finalize their purchase within the app itself, never needing to leave the digital catalog.
Interactivity for both magazines and catalogs is a great way to engage current subscribers, find new subscribers, and really showcase the variety of topics that publications want to tell the world about.
The "Who's Who" in PixelMags Marketing 09/23/2011
Today we decided to find the "Who's who" of PixelMags Marketing and PR department. We feel that Collin Willardson and Jordon Anderson stand out in the department.
Collin Willardson:
Director of Digital Marketing.
Favorite Movies: The Graduate, Harold and Maude, In Love and Death, The Baxter.
Favorite Bands: Wu Tang Clan, Del Tha Funky Homosapien, Sufjan Stevens, The Smiths.
Favorite Books: Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy, The Great Gatsby, Without Feathers, A Separate Peace.
Favorite activities: Movie watching, playing soccer, reading, traveling, art museums.
What animal would you be: A Bear.
Favorite iPhone or iPad app: Spotify.
Favorite Sports Teams: Arsenal, USMNT, Real Salt Lake, San Jose Earthquakes, Schalke 04, Bolton Wanders, Ajax, PSG.
Dream Travel Destination: Prague.
What sport did you play in High school or in college: Volleyball and Surf team.
Jordon Anderson:
Digital Marketing Account Executive.
Favorite Movies: The Last Samurai, all 6 Star Wars, both Kung FU Pandas, So I Married an Axe Murderer.
Favorite Bands: Linkin Park, Evanescence, Richard Cheese, Daft Punk.
Favorite Books: Looking Glass Wars1-3, Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy series, Scriptures, Deadpool comics.
Favorite activities: Taking my wife out, playing Assassins Creed, watching Movies, Fencing.
What animal would you be: Rhino.
Favorite iPhone or iPad app: Play magazine app.
Favorite Sports Teams: Denver Broncos, Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Rockies.
Dream Travel Destination: Scotland and Ireland.
What sport did you play in High school or in college: Marching band High school / Fencing team College.
Running a Business on Red Bull 09/09/2011
Running a business is hard. No matter if you are dealing with 10,000 employees, or if you have 20 employees it can be very energy draining. By the end of the day you should be exhausted. If you aren’t ready to collapse on your bed by the time you get home, or thought at least once in your career that it might be a good idea to pull an all-nighter at work, then your not working hard enough. With this type of work lifestyle, how can you combine working hard and maintaining conciseness? The answer at our office; stock up on the Red Bull!
Red bull comes in both regular and sugar free, for the weight conscious workaholic. Though sometimes its fun to mix things up... literally, I mix equal amounts Coke Classic with my Red Bull. Though I am the only one in the office who likes this. In fact as I am writhing this post i am having a sugar free Red Bull plain.
Red Bull has said that their product; "Increases performance, Increases concentration and reaction speed, Improves vigilance, Stimulates metabolism, Makes you feel more energetic and thus improves your overall well-being."
In fact they even say concerning Red Bull at work "Today’s world is fast-paced and professional life is a daily challenge. For those whose jobs demand full focus, a chilled Red Bull gives you that additional boost to perform even better, whether it's during intense meetings, conference calls or creative brainstorming sessions, and whether you are a junior employee or the chief executive."
I personally start my day at work with a Red Bull and I feel great. Remember though too much of anything is bad for you. i.e. too much water drowns you so please be responsible with all types of energy drinks.
technorati claim token 6S9G8QKWEDFJ
Facebook us your favorite time to have Red Bull http://www.facebook.com/pixelmags
Writer: Jordon Anderson
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of PixelMags Inc. or Red Bull.
Red Bull Product Quotes from Red BUll wedsite http://www.redbullusa.com/cs/Satellite/en_US/red-bull-energy-drink/001242989766321 and http://www.redbullusa.com/cs/Satellite/en_US/red-bull-energy-drink/001242989766321?pcs_pvt=whenandwhere2drink All rights reserved.
My Reaction to Sci Fi Now #58 09/01/2001
If you are a fan of Sci Fi this is the Magazine to have!
If you have not heard about SciFi now, they are "the UK's Primmer SciFi, Fantasy Horror & Cult TV Website", and their Latest magazine is for sale now in the iTunes app store.
As an avid Star Wars fan i could not resist Downloading this issue to my device. My two favorite articles were the making of StarWars where you get a in depth behind the scenes of the original trilogy. The second was Star Wars Follies, as we all know from "The Phantom Menace" that Star Wars is not perfect, this particular article gives readers another look at a couple more "whoops" moments from the franchise. These are just 2 of the many articles in this issue about the saga that gives wonderful insight on the past and future of Star Wars. It is no exaggeration when they called their magazine sub heading an ultimate celebration.
Those who want more then Star Wars will not be disappointed by this Issue it has lots of content for everyone including. "Incredible access with the cast and crew of The Amazing Spider-Man, The Avengers, The Dark Knight Rises, Prometheus, Total Recall, Twilight: Breaking Dawn and more."
I found this magazine to be the perfect companion to any SciFi collection. Enjoy this magazine and "May the Force be with you."
Writer: Jordon Anderson
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of PixelMags Inc., Lucasfilm Ltd., Imagine Publishing Ltd or SciFi Now. Star Wars is a trademark of Lucasfilm Ltd.
Information and photos provided Imagine Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.
Customers of Wake Journal on the iPad give great reviews 08/29/2011
App reviews can make or break an app and with a five star rating for 24 out of 25 reviews it looks like Wake Journal is doing something right.
Wake Journal is a weekly magazine dedicated to covering Wake sports, through the eyes of award-winning photographer Joey Meddock.
The app is free to download, Once in the app you may purchase the issues. the price is $.99 an issue or customers can get a discount if they subscribe from 4 to 12 issues at a time.
My top 5 for iOS5 08/26/2011
If you have not heard yet, Apple is coming out with a new iOS, it’s the iOS5 this new update “includes more than 200 new features for your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch.” The Apple website has showcased some of the features they are most excited about. I have gone through this list and have decided on my own top five. For the list of Apple’s Favorite upcoming features go to http://www.apple.com/ios/ios5/features.html
5. Multitasking Gestures iPad
This feature will allow users to easily go between apps and other features through a variety of swiping shortcuts. This will allow those who use their iPad for projects to use their time on projects more effectively. This feature does appear to be just for the iPad.
4. Notification Center
What Tweetdeck has done social networking so, the notification center will do for notification organization. While red tags will still appear on apps that have notifications on them you are able to check all of your notifications in one location on this new feature. It is customizable so you only get the notifications you want. This I feel is a great step in keeping your life organized on your Apple device.
3. Wi -Fi Sync
This Feature allows you to sync your device via shared Wi-Fi rather than plugging it in every time you get a new movie or album. What I like most about this feature is that I am always changing up my music and videos etc.… and am always looking for my cord that has somehow been misplaced (because I charge it on my docking station). This handy little feature will save me hours of my life looking for my lost cord.
2. AirPlay Mirroring for an iPad2
This device specific feature, requires both an iPad2 and a Apple TV to use. With the specifications aside I love what this app is doing for the business world. You can now demo your apps, or presentations with ease and style. This will allow home users to show their favorite photos or magazines to friends or family. “Everyone in the room sees exactly what’s on your iPad display up there on the big screen — even when you rotate iPad from portrait to landscape….” This will be a great way to show friends and clients what the iPad 2 can do.
1. Newsstand
If your anything like me, you are allowing to digital age to sweep you in. The Newsstand is in my mind the perfect bridge between where print is and where print is going. “iOS5 organizes your magazine and newspaper app subscriptions in Newsstand: a folder that lets you access your favorite publications quickly and easily.” The app store will also allow you to shop specifically for newspaper and magazine subscriptions. This allows publishers to not only retain existing customers who have switched to getting there information from digital sources, but will be able to bring in new customers in who are already completely involved in the digital world. For me this a perfect example of Apple seeing a need and meeting it.
Writer: Jordon Anderson
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of PixelMags Inc. or Apple Inc.
Information and photos provided by Apple Inc. All rights reserved.
