Apple App Guidelines, No-Print Future of NY Times, Kobo’s Global Expansion

In Tech Digest by Hannah Johnson

By Hannah Johnson

Our tech digest today includes some recent announcements from the last few days, as well as a great video at the end!

Apple Publishes App Store Guidelines

Until now, the criteria Apple used to approve or reject apps for sale in its App Store was unknown to developers. Companies had to first spend the money to create the app then risk its rejection. However, Apple has just published its App Store Review Guidelines, as well as updated developer guidelines, to help developers create apps that meet the basic requirements and have a better chance of getting approved. If you are thinking of investing the time and money into developing an app, these guidelines are a must-read.

The updated developer guidelines also say that developers can use “all tools,” not just Apple-approved tools, to create apps as long as they don’t download any code. According to TUAW, “Theoretically, this would include Adobe Flash CS5” yet doesn’t solve the problem of needing to download a Flash player. This could be step towards solving the great Apple-Flash debate of 2010.

Future for New York Times Does Not Include Print

At the International Newsroom Summit, New York Times publisher Arthur Sulzberger said, “We will stop printing the New York Times sometime in the future, date TBD.” While this may be the obvious conclusion that many newspaper readers have already reached, it is still surprising to hear that digital-only publishing is a concrete part of the business plan. Sulzberger also said that the New York Times is actively researching new pay strategies for online news. “Information is less and less yearning to be free,” he said.

Kobo Launches Desktop Reading Application

Yesterday, Kobo announced the launch of Kobo Desktop, a free downloadable application for your desktop computer. The application allows users to manage their library, read offline on their computers or laptops, and sync Kobo-bought ebooks with other devices like the Sony Reader and the Nook from Barnes & Noble. Kobo Desktop is available for Windows and Mac and the download includes a $2 coupon in the Kobo ebook store.

Kobo also recently announced that its software is powering the e-reading platform on the new Samsung GALAXY tablet, and it has opened a new office in New York City. With Kobo’s international expansion, I’m reminded of the following:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzZmU0aGmcc

About the Author

Hannah Johnson

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Hannah Johnson is the publisher of international book industry magazine Publishing Perspectives, which provides daily information and news about book markets around the world. In addition to building partnerships with international cultural and trade organizations, she works with the Frankfurt Book Fair to organize and support a number of its overseas initiatives. Hannah has also worked as the managing editor for an online media company, The Hooch Life, focused on craft distillers and cocktail experts. Prior to that, she worked as a project manager for the Frankfurt Book Fair’s New York office, managing various business and marketing activities.