Someone very close to me may always be late, but is always worth waiting for.
The same can be said for the Sydney Morning Herald (and Age) iPad app, released today.
On first testing, it is evident that it takes full advantage of the electronic medium.
A more magazine style approach is used than the broadsheet paper version, with glorious colour photos and liberal inclusion of video.
The app updates its news regularly, and includes the latest headlines in a special ticker.
Sports has extended coverage, including a live score feed.
Navigation is easy, and the Editor’s Choice page offers a selection of recommended articles.
The full range of articles from the last week are available, including those from the Good Weekend, Domain, Sunday Life, the Guide and Travel sections.
You can set which sections you want to be downloaded for offline reading, and ‘star’ articles for reading later. Pages can also be shared via meal, Twitter and Facebook.
Advertising is much less intrusive than it has become in The Australian app, which came to market very quickly after the iPad launched. Until now it has set set the standard. News Corp will need to raise the bar to catch up with this effort from Fairfax.
You can tell I’m pretty impressed, especially as thanks to sponsorship from Telstra it is free until December! After that it will be $8.99 a month. That gives them a good chance to make it an indispensable part of our ‘daily office’.
