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Future signs up to Google’s Subscriber Verification System

Future yesterday announced that it is the first UK magazine publisher to partner with Google’s Subscriber Verification System, allowing subscribers to access digital versions of the print magazines they already subscribe to via the Google Play Newsstand app on their Android device.

Future has been one of the market leaders in digital publishing, winning Digital Publisher of the Year an unrivalled three times at the PPA Digital Publishing Awards. The partnership allows Android users access to Future’s tablet magazines at no extra cost if subscribed to the digital enabled package.

The initiative will allow its subscribers to access their magazines on a wide range of Android powered devices, including: Google’s Nexus phones and tablets, Tesco Hudl, Sony Xperia, Lenovo Yoga, Samsung Galaxy and many more.

Through the initiative, Future expects to widen the appeal and reach of its subscription offering, and take advantage of the ever expanding Android market. According to a recent Gartner report on 'Worldwide Tablet Marketshare: 2013', Android now has a majority share of 61.9%, compared to Apple's 36%. A number of UK magazine publishers continue to focus efforts purely on iPad - but Future aims to lead the way by increasing its appeal to the Android user base, says Future.

Paul Layte, Commercial Director, Future PLC, says: “We want to make our award winning content accessible wherever and whenever our customers demand. Android is a leading player in smartphone and tablet devices and we are delighted to partner with Google and be the first magazine publisher in the UK to do so. Customers will be able to upgrade and add digital access to their subscription, as well as gift digital magazines which is particularly attractive at this time of year.”

Luca Forlin, Head of Newsstand partnerships for Google Play, says: “We’re pleased to offer existing digital subscribers to Future’s titles an easy way of accessing their favourite editions on Play Newsstand. This has been one of the most requested features among users of our service, and we’re very happy it’s now available for some of the best-selling magazines on Google Play.”