Glossy garbage
Is Apple trying to digitally dupe us with its digital newsstand?
- Who needs a magazine or newspaper when you've got an iPad? That's what Applethinks, too.Photo by Tomohiro Ohsumi
- Are these little kiosks a mere thing of the past?Photo by Ed Grieve
All your entertainment are belong to Apple.
At least that's what the technology titan is hoping.
Between mobile Netflix, iBooks, the ability to wirelessly stream your entire digital world to Apple TV, and gobs and gobs of apps to bestill your beating heart, Steve Jobs and Co. are out to rule your visual sphere.
Think we're being fatalists? Think again.
As we type and breathe, Apple is developing a "digital newsstand" for the iPad. What the heck is that? Well, it would allow publishers to sell magazines and newspapers to Appleheads, for exclusive use on Apple paraphernalia.
Nope, this isn't the App Store for print media. This is a brand new bag.
Apple knows its already got you by the proprietary balls (don't bother hiding your iPod, iPhone, and MacBook from our scrutinizing eyes). And this wiley move by Apple clearly reeks of digital domination.
While tree huggers rejoice in the decrease in glossy garbage, others wonder why they should pay for what you can get online for free.
And some of the big boys, like Time Warner, Conde Nast, Hearst, and News Corp., aren't too thrilled with Apple's terms as they currently stand.
Right now, Apple is crossing its fingers that you and its potential partners don't ask too many questions.
Hey, look, is that a shiny thing over there? Let's subscribe to it!