Digital magazine retailer Zinio has announced a new “Branded App” service which will allow magazine publishers to offer stand-alone apps branded as their magazine via Apple’s App Store.
The apps use Zinio’s UNITY™ distribution platform to offer buyers immediate access to their library of issues whiter bought via the branded app, Zinio’s traditional iPad app or the company’s website. To buy ‘issues’ via the branded apps readers must open a Zinio account if they do not already have one.
The first titles to make use of the service include National Geographic Magazine, National Geographic Traveler, and Sporting News Today and the company are promising “many” more will follow in the coming months.
Rich Maggiotto, President & CEO of Zinio, said it was “exciting to be in a position to offer our growing portfolio of 3,000+ top magazine titles a direct line to ignite even more passionate experiences with the readers through a branded app all the while maintaining the richness, utility, expansiveness, convenience, and efficiency, of our global service.”
The company says the branded apps will be offered for free and will include free bonus issues.