NOTE: This post is part of our “The 10 Best iPad Applications for News” series. Do check back and view the latest reviews.
The Financial Times seem to be leading the pack in terms of downloads so far, with MobileMarketing reporting that the newspaper group’s iPad app has been downloaded 130,000 times in its first two weeks. Their marketing strategy is interesting: thanks to sponsorship from Swiss watchmaker Hublot , the app is free until the end of July, by which time, FT purports, users would have had enough of a sample dabble around to realize the investment in paying for unlimited, instant access on the tablet, (current subscribers will continue to get content). There is a lovely familiarity in using the app, with the recognisable FT branding and style, page design and layout.
The Financial Times
The FT app also features pop-up charts for its poweful market data, as well as the ability to download whole issues for reading offline . As the FT online FAQ page cites, additional pluses, (especially differentiating it from its iPhone offerings), include more high quality images, a wider range of micromaps and access to incredible video screenings of its award-winning video footages.
Our Ratings:
1) Usefulness/Value to User
-For all its purpose of news coverage and financial market charting, it’s certainly not lacking, and it’s pretty easy to get to the different sections of World News, U.K. news, etc. featuring relevant content that the user can flick through. 8/10
2) Useability/Interface
-The format of columned news reports and general layout design is instantly reminiscent of the actual print vesion, which is a huge plus as it allows you to amost forget you’re viewing content on a completely new platform. However, it doesn’t support enlargening/decreasing the screen print by ‘pinching’ as most other apps do, which might be a hindrance to those who’d prefer bigger writing. 7/10
3) Price/Business Model
-Their pricing model of ‘free now-pay later’ encourages new customers to try out the app. Given the quality of the app, subscribing later on is worth considering. Still, being able to enlarge content easily especially for text-heavy articles would be ideal. And while it’s free to download at the moment, there IS a limit of 10 articles viewed, after which you have to register (for free) to see further content. A bit annoying, but not difficult. 6/10
4) Additional Functionality
-Video reports are superb quality and are featured in their own section. There is a ‘My Portfolio’ feature available to registered users, which allows summary tracking and some additional tools. No indication of sharing tools though, so no tweeting articles yet. 6/10
Summary:
A great app for those FT readers who have an iPad. It’s a lovely way to read the paper, and get access to valuable market data and analysis on the tube.
NOTE: This post is part of our “The 10 Best iPad Applications for News” series. Do check back and view the latest reviews.
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