After adding numerous enhancements aimed at optimizing its technology for the latest high-definition tablets, NewspaperDirect (ND) is witnessing an unprecedented demand from magazine publishers for its ePublishing solutions.

Publishers of all sizes and types of content worldwide are recognizing that ND’s years of investment in developing innovative technology, faster processing capabilities, and a superior user interface for newspapers is exactly what they need in order to offer a more compelling digital experience to their readers.  Today, within the 2,700+ publications ND has on its global distribution network, more than 250 of them are magazines.

Which is why ND is sponsoring FIPP’s Worldwide Media Marketplace event being held in London, England starting May 29, 2012.

If you’re interested in learning more about our multi-channel ePublishing solutions, please set up an appointment with Nikolay Malyrov, VP, Publishing and Legal Affairs or Johanie Marcoux, Director, Publishing at ND, drop by the Tuesday luncheon session sponsored by ND where Nikolay will be making opening remarks, or come by and chat with us at stand 40. We’re looking forward to meeting you!

The month of April saw 25 Newspapers and Magazines added to the PressDisplay.com catalogue. Check them out online by clicking their respective URLs below or by using the PressReader app on your favorite tablet, smartphone or eReader.

Magazines 

• India | Bike India
• India | Car India
• India | Commercial Vehicle
• India | Computer Active
• India | Electronics for you
• India | Facts for you
• India | Linux for you
• India | Mother & Baby
• India | The Ideal Home and Garden
• Russia | 9 Months 

Newspapers

• Belarus | Nedvigimost Belorussii
• NZ | Mid Canterbury Herald
• NZ | Waitaki Herald
• NZ | Waitaki Weekender
• Qatar | Al-Sharq Economy
• Qatar | Al-Sharq News
• Qatar | Al-Sharq Sports
• UK | Irish Daily Mail
• UK | Scottish Daily Mail
• UK | The Irish Mail on Sunday
• UK | The Scottish Mail on Sunday
• UK | The Scottish Mail on Sunday – Review
• USA | Daily Iowegian (Centerville, IA)
• USA | The Sentinel-Record
• USA | The Sentinel-Record – Hot Springs on the go!

For a complete list of the titles available through NewspaperDirect’s publishing networks, please click here.

Enjoy!

-Michael

We’re pleased to announce that Igor Smirnoff, NewspaperDirect’s Vice President, Digital, is a featured panelist at this year’s BlackBerry World, the largest annual gathering for the BlackBerry ecosystem. Igor will outline the business opportunities that RIM’s current and future products, including the upcoming BlackBerry 10 smartphone, represent for publishers.

Igor is participating in a media panel at BlackBerry World 2012: “Quality Profitable Opportunities for Publishing Partners on BlackBerry.” The panel discussions will cover several areas, including: development options, how to work with publishers, and providing a compelling user experience. NewspaperDirect has long been a supporter of the BlackBerry platform, and recently launched an updated version of its flagship news app for mobile devices, PressReader for BlackBerry® PlayBook™ OS 2.0.

Event/panel details:

• BlackBerry World 2012
• Media panel: Quality Profitable Opportunities for Publishing Partners on BlackBerry
• Wednesday, May 2, 2012, 9:00 a.m.
• Tampa Room

Igor has been with NewspaperDirect since 2003 and is a recognized expert in the formulation of effective cross-platform and multichannel strategies for leading publishers around the world and focuses on the development of the company’s newspaper and magazine publisher network, partnerships with mobile and tablet device manufacturers, as well as with major telecom operators and software companies. Today, working closely with 2,200 publishers in 96 countries, as well as many market partners, he is actively involved with the development of an industrywide strategy for migration of publishers’ printed business into the digital realm.

We’re delighted to announce that PressReader 4.0 has been released and is now available for download from Google Play!

With PressReader, readers can access over 2,100 full-content newspapers and magazines from 95 countries on their favorite Android smartphones and tablets. This latest release of the app provides users with the ability to zoom in on publications deeper, faster and clearer than ever before thanks to its new proprietary PDF rendering engine.

Subscribers will also have the ability to read entire publications using SmartFlow, PressReader’s attention-grabbing horizontal content presentation feature. It’s a new take on newspaper and magazine reading for Android users and one we would love to hear your opinions of so, please don’t hesitate to post your comments or feedback below .

PressReader 4.0 for Android is our biggest update ever. It debuts advanced rendering technology that, for the first time, brings fast, high-resolution imaging to the Android platform. Users love the incredibly crisp text and high-definition pictures, and our SmartEdition publishers now have a compelling and flexible Android platform to showcase their content,” said Alex Kroogman, CEO of NewspaperDirect. “Another great addition is our new SmartFlow technology, which takes the replica experience to a whole new level – enhancing it with intelligent and intuitive content presentation that compels subscribers to read more of their favorite publications.

Check out PressReader in action below:

PressReader 4.0 includes the following features:

• High-performance rendering
• SmartFlow advanced reading technology
• SmartZoom automatically positions the zoomed-in view to the beginning of an article
• Instant switching between Replica/Page View and SmartFlow viewing
• Share stories by email or on Facebook or Twitter
• Listen to articles through on-demand audio capabilities
• Copy and paste articles into applications that support it (e.g. Evernote, Instapaper)
• Share opinions by supporting or opposing a story
• Two-finger-pinch to adjust font and image sizes, and a choice of different font types
• Cross-title keyword search
• Desktop thumbnails of the most recently downloaded publications for instant access to the latest issues.
• Authorization of PressReader with a PressDisplay.com subscription

Enjoy the update and again, let us know what you think!

Cheers,

-Michael

We’re very pleased to announce that Malaysia’s largest tabloid, The Star, has officially launched its ePaper solution powered by NewspaperDirect’s SmartEdition Technology. The launch  kicks off an exciting 3 days for NewspaperDirect at this year’s WAN-IFRA Publish Asia Conference in Bali, Indonesia, providing Star readers with instant access to their favorite publication across a wide range of platforms and devices.

Expanding the distribution of Malaysia’s favorite English newspaper to reach readers across a complete range of channels and devices is the surest way to engage with tomorrow’s readers and provide today’s subscribers with a wide range of options, said Alex Kroogman, CEO of NewspaperDirect. “The Star is setting a benchmark to which other publishers should aspire.

The new, digital replica editions deliver 100 percent of the content from the printed publication, including the Main Paper, StarBiz, Star2, and Star Metro. The Star ePaper gives subscribers two new ways to read the paper: online via the Web or downloaded to a PC, smartphone (iPhone and Android), or tablet (iPad and Samsung Galaxy Tab). Advanced digital features of the Star ePaper include:

•     Instant switching between Replica/Page View and Article View
•     Engaging, cover-to-cover reading by simply swiping from page to page
•     Share stories on Facebook and Twitter or via e-mail
•     A “Listen” option to hear articles read aloud
•     Convenient zooming of text and enlargement of articles and photos

Smartphones and tablets provide a fantastic growth opportunity for The Star by enabling us to give our readers the content they want, the way they want it, where they want it, said Wong Siah Ping, chief operating officer, digital business. We chose NewspaperDirect as our partner as they have the technology and worldwide distribution channels to reach our existing and new mobile subscribers, wherever they are.

Cheers,

Michael

We’re extremely pleased to announce that a brand new version of PressReader for iPad is now available from the iTunes App Store. In addition to the popular SmartFlow horizontal reading stream released in version 3.0, PressReader 3.1 now brings iPad 3 users full retina display support as well as translation and integration with Evernote!

With PressReader for iPad, users have the ability to read over 2,000 full-content newspapers and magazines from 95 countries in 54 languages. Check it out here:

The new iPad is a dream come true for people who enjoy the wealth of newspapers and magazines that PressReader has to offer. The breathtaking resolution of thMe new iPad Retina Display means that we can render razor-sharp text, at any zoom level,” said Alex Kroogman, CEO of NewspaperDirect. “Our new SmartFlow technology really shines at high resolution, and the integration with the best clipping applications like Evernote raises the bar for every other news app out there.

New features added in PressReader 3.1 include:

• Optimization for the new “Retina Display” resolution of the next-generation iPad. Pages, text views and images are rendered at 264 pixels per inch, resulting in amazing clarity, even when zoomed in.
• Instant translation of full publications in up to 12 languages is now possible when a title is opened. Or, a reader can choose to auto-translate all publications into a specific language with the ability to specify language exceptions.
• Clipping App integration enables any article to be captured and synced across devices. Articles can also be emailed or shared using Twitter or Facebook.

Clipping Web pages is one of the most popular ways of saving information in Evernote. PressReader does a beautiful job of extending this functionality, making it easy for users to read and clip newspaper and magazine articles on their iPads,” said Seth Hitchings, VP of platform strategy, Evernote. “The Evernote integration is seamless, and the clipped content can be searched and read in Evernote on any computer or mobile device. We recommend readers also try our Clearly app, which creates an optimal reading experience for articles, blog posts, and any other content you interact with online.

We would love to hear your comments on the new PressReader for iPad features!  Post a comment here or contact us at iphonesupport@newspaperdirect.com and let us know what you think.

Cheers,

Michael

The months of February and March saw over 100 Newspapers and Magazines added to PressDisplay.com. Make sure to check them out online by clicking below or on your favorite tablet, smartphone or eReader using PressReader.

FEBRUARY 2012

Magazines

• Egypt | Al Ahram Alaraby
• Estonia | The Baltic Guide (Estonian)
• Estonia | The Baltic Guide (Finnish)
• Estonia | The Baltic Guide (Russian)
• Estonia | The Baltic Guide (Swedish)
• Italy | News Cinema Magazine
• Philippines | Bisdak Magazine
• USA | Allegany Magazine

Newspapers

• Belarus | Belorusskaya Niva
• Belarus | Golas Radzim
• Belarus | Grodnenskaya Prauda
• Belarus | Minsk Kurjer
• Belarus | Perehodnyi Vozrast
• Belarus | The Minsk Times
• Belarus | Vecherny Minsk
• Belarus | Vitebski Prospekt
• Canada | Edmonton Journal – TV Times
• Canada | Edmonton Journal – TV Times (Central & Northern Alberta)
• Canada | Metro Montreal
• India | DQ Channels
• India | The DQWeek (Chennai)
• India | The DQWeek (Delhi)
• India | The DQWeek (Kolkata)
• India | The DQWeek (Mumbai)
• Indonesia | Riau Pos
• Norway | DT Drammen
• Norway | Nordstrands Blad (Ostensjo)
• Norway | Nordstrands Blad (Sondre Nordstrand)
• South Africa | Sunday Times of Johannesburg (Zulu)
• UK | Weekly Sport
• USA | Edmond Sun (Edmond, OK)
• USA | Meadville Tribune
• USA | The Abington Suburban
• USA | The Citizens’ Voice
• USA | The Community Connection
• USA | The Daily Review
• USA | The Daily Review – Bradford Sullivan Pennysaver
• USA | The Daily Review – The Farmer’s Friend
• USA | The Hazleton Standard-Speaker
• USA | The News-Item
• USA | The Phoenix
• USA | The Progress-Index
• USA | The Progress-Index – At Home
• USA | The Progress-Index Weekend
• USA | The Republican Herald
• USA | The Sunday Review
• USA | The Times-Tribune
• USA | The Times-Tribune – Home Source
• USA | The Times-Tribune – TV Weekly
• USA | The Triboro Banner
• USA | The Valley Advantage
• USA | The Virgin Islands Daily News
• USA | The Virgin Islands Daily News – 24/7 Island Action
• USA | The Virgin Islands Daily News – Crucian Trader
• USA | The Virgin Islands Daily News – Good Health Care Guide
• USA | The Virgin Islands Daily News – Island Trader
• USA | Tri County Record

MARCH 2012

Magazines

• Egypt | Nesf elDonia
• India | Power Watch India
• India | Smart Photography
• Philippines | Pinnacle
• Philippines | Soul BGC

Newspapers

• Belarus | Autodigest
• Belarus | Vashe Zdorovie
• Belarus | Vitbichi
• Canada | Capitol City News – Zone 1
• Canada | Capitol City News – Zone 2
• Canada | Capitol City News – Zone 3
• Canada | Capitol City News – Zone 4
• Canada | Capitol City News – Zone 5
• Canada | Capitol City News – Zone 6
• Canada | Capitol City News – Zone 7
• Croatia | 24 Sata – 24Lifestyle
• Croatia | 24 Sata – 24TV
• Croatia | 24 Sata – Express
• Croatia | Vecernji List – City
• Croatia | Vecernji List – Ekran
• Egypt | AlShabab
• France | Air and Cosmos
• France | La Tribune de Lyon
• France | Le Revenu – Hebdo Bourse
• France | Le Revenu – Mensuel Placement
• Kuwait | Al Watan
• Kuwait | Al Watan Daily
• Portugal | Publico – 2
• Russia | Oblastnaya Gazeta
• Turkey | Hurriyet – Cumartesi Insan
• Turkey | Hurriyet – Cumartesi Moda
• UK | The Church of England
• USA | Amerika Woche
• USA | River Hills Traveler
• USA | The Boyertown Area Times
• USA | The Hamburg Area Item
• USA | The Kutztown Area Patriot
• USA | The Southern Berks News

For a complete list of the titles available through NewspaperDirect’s publishing networks, please click here.

Enjoy!

-Michael

NewspaperDirect is pleased to announce that barcode authentication is now available for libraries currently using the Library PressDisplay service. Additionally, libraries now have the ability to set up remote mobile access to Library PressDisplay for their patrons!

As the world’s largest aggregated newsstand for libraries offering over 2,100 full-content newspapers and magazines from 95 countries in 54 languages, the addition of barcode authentication and mobile access means one thing – easier access! As most libraries already know, improved accessibility and availability is a must with more and more patrons demanding anywhere, anytime access to their digital services.

With barcode authentication, patrons will have the ability to quickly and easily access Library PressDisplay using their library barcodes or student IDs. If your library is interested in implementing this authentication method, you’ll simply need to contact NewspaperDirect or your local Library PressDisplay agent with your library card algorithm. In addition, libraries interested in setting up remote access to the service also have the opportunity to do so through a simple URL referral.

Several libraries have already taken advantage and so should yours!

“In 2011, Library PressDisplay was the most accessed resource of the digital library portal by Consorzio Sistema Bilbiotecario Nord Ovest,” says Paolo Lucini of CSBNO, Italy. “Patrons were very happy about the quantity of newspapers in the service and the way it was possible to access them!”

If you or your library would like to learn more about the Library PressDisplay service, Library PressDisplay barcode authentication or remote mobile access, make sure to visit with NewspaperDirect at the following upcoming conferences:

• SLA-AGC 2012 in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain from 11-14 March, 2012 (in partnership with TechKnowledge)

• Bibliostar 2012 in Milan, Italy from 15-16 March, 2012 (in partnership with Nicola Cavelli of International Book Sellers)

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a meeting with the NewspaperDirect team in Manama or Milan, please email us at libraries@newspaperdirect.com.

Will you be attending Publishing Expo UK this week in London?

If you are, don’t miss NewspaperDirect’s VP, Publishing and Legal Affairs, Nikolay Malyarov, alongside other key players from the media, advertising and marketing sectors, provide pointers to publishers wondering whether to “go native” or jump on the HTML5 bandwagon.

Featured in the Three Way Tag: Apps vs. E-Books vs. HTML5 panel discussion moderated by Graham Duffill, managing director of The Digital Publishing Company, Nikolay and the other panelists will discuss the challenge publishers face as they develop and manage distribution of digital newspapers, magazines and books across several mobile platforms. The panelists will examine the choices publishers face as they consider developing either ‘native’ apps or HTML5-based Web apps, and will offer opinions on which is the best long-term strategy for different types of publishers.

Nikolay will offer his views on the pros and cons of both native apps and HTML5-based approaches, and assess their relative merits in the contexts of both user experience and technology maturity.

Don’t miss out on the intriguing debate. You can take in the discussion on Tuesday February, 28, 2012 at 12:20pm,.

Cheers,

Michael

With Europe’s largest mobile expo just a few short days away, the Digital team at NewspaperDirect is pumped and ready to attend Mobile World Congress 2012 held this year in Barcelona, Spain from February 27^th to March 1^st.

The event is especially exciting this go around as we’ll have the opportunity to showcase both current and future developments of PressReader and PressDisplay across our range of platforms at the pavilions, booths and theatres of several of our key technology partners including Motorola, LG, Samsung and RIM!

Just as in previous years, MWC 2012 will look to embrace and celebrate the current state of mobile while taking captivating looks into the future – a fact not lost on eager event attendees.  Last year, MWC attracted over 60,000 individuals from 200 countries to peruse, ogle and admire the latest and greatest technological offerings from over 1,400 companies – talk about a big crowd!  Among them were 2,900 members of the press representing over 1,500 media groups.

This year, we’re delighted to be right in the thick of things. If having access to over 2,000 newspapers from 95 countries on your favorite tablet or smartphone is your thing, you won’t want to miss us! We’d love to meet, chat and provide you with the opportunity to walk away with some really cool swag! Here’s where and when you’ll be able to find us:

Where: Motorola Pavilion – Partner’s Booth

When: Monday February 27^th 15:30 – 19:00 & Tuesday February 28^th 8:30 – 12:15

Each day, Motorola will be running various contests and events. Part of the daily prize packs will include annual access to PressReader & PressDisplay.com!  Get ready to shoot some hoops for your chance to win!

Where: BlackBerry Showcase Theatre (7B42 Hall 7)

When: Tuesday February 28^th at 16:25

Igor Smirnoff, NewspaperDirect’s VP, Digital will take centre stage for a short overview entitled Beyond the Printed Newspaper covering NewspaperDirect and its own mobile offerings, PressReader and PressDisplay. The digital team will be hanging out with the folks from RIM until closing on the 28^th to address any questions you may have. Don’t miss out on your chance for free PressReader for PlayBook access before and after Igor’s overview!

Where: LG and Samsung Pavilions

When: Duration of event

LG and Samsung will be running continuous demos of PressReader on their tablet and smartphone devices in the demo areas at each of their respective pavilions.  If PressReader catches your eye, make sure to ask either an LG or Samsung representative about us – they’ll be happy to point to a member of the NewspaperDirect team floating close by.

We can’t wait to catch up with our partners at the event and we definitely can’t wait to have a chat with event attendees!  Make sure to follow us on Twitter for the duration of MWC using hashtags #MWC12, #PressReader and #PressDisplay.

See you there!