Poke fun at the name, call it an “iFlop”, bemoan the lack of features – USB ports, cameras and multi tasking – but the iPad is set to revolutionise the future of digital content.
Already, there are a number of opportunities for expanding the use of digital content. Some US public schools are replacing traditional textbooks with digital content media. And with the more user friendly interface of the iPad, the move to more digital content consumption seems closer than ever.
Print publishers are especially excited about the potential of paid content with the launch of the new iPad. They’re hoping that digital content will follow in the steps of digital music, where users will find themselves willing to “spend a dollar or so for little bits of digital content” like they currently do with iTunes music. Publishers are looking at the digital device as their saviour and likening Steve Jobs as the “Gutenberg” of digital media.
However, whether users really are willing to pay for digital content remains to be seen. The success of the iTunes model needs to be attributed to the music industry’s determination to put an end to free music downloads and their heavy prosecution of regular citizens who illegally share and download music. For many, the decision to pay for music is simply because it’s not worth the risk. So until digital publishers take the same measures to ensure their copyright and the exclusivity of their content is protected, the success of paid content might be less forthcoming.
Either ways, it’ll be awhile until we see a move towards paid digital content – Australia will still be waiting for iBooks when the iPad launches in March, so Aussies will be using their shiny new iPads to access free content for the time being.
What are your thoughts on the new iPad? Would you pay for content on it?
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