February 2, 2011
Remember this date and not because Punxsutawney Phil predicted an early spring. This is the date print journalism got its prognosis: the disease is fatal. On this day, The Daily arrived for the iPad.
Created by Rupert Murdoch's gigantic News Corp, The Daily is an amazing read, even on day one. It includes four main sections. These include: News, Gossip, Opinion, Arts & Life, Apps & Games, and Sports.
Each page is arranged on a striking yet functional carousel that moves automatically or with a swipe of a finger. Each article is original and timely. Today's edition features articles on Egypt and the Super Bowl, just to name two.
The Daily also knows about you, even when used for the first time. After finding your location, the app shows current weather conditions. It even assumes which professional sports teams are your favorites, and offers up sports stories accordingly.
Don’t worry; these can very easily be changed. For example, a Green Bay Packers fan living in Texas can easily delete news about the Cowboys, and include news about their beloved team instead.
By adding your astrological sign, you will receive a daily horoscope.
Apps & Life offers readers reviews and insight on iOS apps and games. In addition, this is where users will find their daily sudoku or crossword puzzle. Each is automatically integrated into Apple’s Game Center, so users can compare their scores with others.
There is a lot here and surely this won’t be the last time we will discuss The Daily.
Here is a video:
My advice is to download it and take advantage of the free two week trial, which interesting enough, is sponsored by Verizon Wireless.
While it won't happen overnight, The Daily and the similar apps which will certainly follow, is the death knell for print journalism.
That slow death picked up speed today.
