This new application hopes to define how newspapers are consumed and interacted with on the move via a mobile device. Customers can instantly access the latest newspaper editions, live news and video updates, as well as search for jobs, properties and cars.
Kent on Sunday claims to have been the first newspaper in the UK to adopt page-turning e-editions and now wants to lead the way, once again with PageSuite, via the mobile phone.
“We have always prided ourselves on being at the cutting edge of new media. We are delighted with the results of this iPhone App - taking all our newspapers, live news and video, and supplement product searches to the SmartPhone market. This new world first is really going to change how readers consume media on the move over the coming years” explains Paul Stannard, Managing Director of KOS Media.
KOS Media’s major sections for jobs, property and cars have been transformed into a powerful search application tool, providing readers with another ‘first’ from a newspaper publisher. Product searches can be based on multiple criteria, with results displayed in an incredibly engaging format, which can then be saved, emailed or used to contact the advertiser.
To drive customer engagement, not only can live titles be read, but archives and articles can be searched by keyword, with customers even able to download single pages or editions to read offline. For advertisers and sponsors, the iPhone App brings further benefits, with links direct from the newspaper editions to their websites, driving new customers and revenue streams.
“The timing of this launch has been planned to meet the massive iPhone demand over Christmas. This new application will only go to heighten the debate over free news content and pay walls. Our multi-media strategy through print, digital and iPhone will hold the real key to developing a more sustained business model within regional and national media” continues Paul Stannard, Managing Director of KOS Media.
“Anyone can enjoy KOS Media newspaper stories, editions or use the search features, at any time, as the iPhone application is free to download and use. Publishers can also embed a sponsor or advertiser underneath the text and picture or video-based part of the application.” explains Nathan Parrett, Managing Director of PageSuite.
‘Kent News’ iPhone application is available now, for free, in the iTunes Store, and can be downloaded and used anywhere in the world.
The iPhone already represents over 45% of the UK SmartPhone market (Mobile Computer), with over 1 million devices sold (Pocket Lint) and now available through several major networks and retailers.
There have already been 2 billion iPhone Applications downloaded to date (Mobile Squared), generating over £130m in monthly sales (Gigaom). App users are also incredibly engaged, with 50% spending an average 30 minutes per day using Apps (Admob)
About PageSuite
PageSuite says: “PageSuite Limited is a UK based software development company with over 30 years of publishing experience. Having introduced our innovative PageSuite Professional digital edition software in 2005, the launch of iPhone & mobile developments in 2009 is again leading the publishing market.
PageSuite has quickly established a reputation for innovative, cost-effective digital edition solutions that are reliable coupled with a responsive professional on-hand support service. It is the UK’s market leader for digital regional newspapers securing 9 out of the 10 UK’s regional press publishers, with Johnston Press, Associated Newspapers, Trinity Mirror and many others all using PageSuite.
PageSuite has considerable expertise in delivering bespoke online solutions for publishers, with 5,000 magazine, newspaper and brochure titles worldwide, across clients such as Clarity Media Group, Incisive Media, News International and Bauer Media. PageSuite Professional software publishes 70,000 high quality, interactive page turning publications, with our editions generating over 200 million page flips every month.
Award-winning for its innovative excellence, PageSuite aims to transform traditional print publications by providing an online publishing service that offers an excellent, revenue generating solution; offering a wider distribution with an online presence. For more information visit www.pagesuite.com/iphone"
About KOS Media
KOS says: “KOS Media has been one of the fastest growing independent regional media companies over the last seven years. Its newspapers have won more than ten national awards during that time, including the overall Regional Newspaper of the Year in 2005 with Kent on Sunday – the only time a free newspaper has ever won this prestigious award.
KOS Media now publishes over a dozen local newspapers, as well as its flagship county papers and was the first publisher to develop online TV and e-editions within the UK. It is also one of the few publishers that is still launching newspapers as well as online. It launched a new local newspaper for Tunbridge Wells only a month ago, which is now over 100 pages every week.”
