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PressPad’s lead iOS developer Simon Fortuna gives a glimpse at what to expect from introduction of iOS 8 and what does it mean for the publishers.

For years Apple was not afraid to make their own path. Do you remember the wave of complaints when iOS7 has been introduced together with its slick, flat designed user interface that polarized Apple community worldwide? What inspires us is the fact that Apple does not hold their status quo, they always challenge themselves and their customers, and this is what we learn from Apple every day.

That kept us conscious when we were changing our business model a year ago to challenge these publishers for whom formerly existing digital publishing solutions were not affordable. And we do it again introducing a new version of our magazine app, which is opening a lot new possibilities for magazine publishers.

Estimote iBeacons

What’s new?

PressPad’s new app will allow publishers to embed video and sound inside their magazines with support of the following platforms:

  • YouTube
  • Vimeo
  • SoundCloud

Besides rich media support our new app integrates Estimote iBeacons (IoT – Internet of Things Technology) that will allow to create a Free Reading Zones at the certain locations, utilizing our magazines portfolio (for this we will closely work with our publishers).

What’s more there are several new things that will be rolling out in coming weeks that will lift user experience at the higher, more personal level… but lets not dive into the details at this moment.

iOS8 ready

Beyond iOS 8

New mobile operating system from Apple is here. We’ve had access to beta builds of iOS8 since day one and did our best to adjust to changes, making transition to new operating system and new devices seamless. I asked my teammate, PressPad’s lead iOS developer Simon Fortuna (@fortunajs) to give us a glimpse into his understanding of what the best is coming with iOS8 introduction.

Why users will be delighted with new features that will be created upon iOS8?

Simon Fortuna: Apple’s software vision is all about delivering the perfect user experience to the end user. iOS8 makes it even better – users always know what permissions the app asks for and why, and connection between multiple devices running iOS will be definitely better. Imagine starting reading an article in a bus on an iPhone and continuing reading it on an iPad. This is possible now thanks to Handoff. Following Apple’s vision on perfect UX (User Experience) embedding the rich media into our new app has been integrated automatically and don’t need any interaction of the publisher! It’s simple as creating a link in their DTP software and the app do all the rest.

Does iOS8 give more opportunities for digital publishing companies?

SF: Yes, system is more open and easily accessible by developers. You can for example customize push notifications alerts to make users even more engaged with your marketing message! I’m personally excited about third party keyboards and HomeKit – a hub for a home automation. This might be a great base for possible future app integrations such as adaptive graphical themes within the magazine, based on the time of the day or the room lighting.

Both digital publishing software providers and publishers can learn from Apple that creating unique experience is at least as much important as creating new features, or adding more content. Sometimes such an attitude requires bravery to challenge status quo often enough to succeed. Having this in mind PressPad is ready for iOS8 right now.