Eclectic Memes

Once again the Internet rumour mill is abuzz with rumours of an Apple tablet. As a long-time watcher of such rumours, I have to say that this one is more convincing than most. In particular the rumour that Apple have approached newspaper publishers about providing content makes sense especially when you consider that Apple recently added in-application subscriptions for free applications to the Apple app-store.

Consider this, a publisher gives away a free application that takes users to their newspaper’s content, and then sells premium content through micro-subscriptions offered via the app-store. Makes sense as a business model for traditional media. Assuming that Apple attract an iPhone-esk following for the supposed tablet device (and if it offers all the usual Apple design appeal and function of their existing products, I can see that it will) then the appeal for users of the new device to acquire their daily newspaper, at next to no cost compared to the paper and print version, using an application on their tablet device is obvious.

If only Apple can make the device waterproof so we can read out e-books and e-papers while relaxing in the bath…