iPad Magazines. A tribute to Martha Stewart (sort of)

Everyone has an opinion of Martha Stewart. Love her or leave her, she has the answer to damn near everything domestic, and she has always embraced the latest and greatest in technology. Her website is easy to search and navigate, with links to a variety of blogs on various subjects, and social media integration. It’s no wonder her iPad magazine was a revelation to me.

I know, I know. Martha Stewart. But if you set down your judgements for just a moment, I want to share with you a few of my favorite features.

1. Integrated video.
In her traditional print magazine, recipes, flower arrangements, and sewing techniques beg to be further illustrated. Integrated video is a no brainer for iPad magazines, and the quality film makers she works with ensure that they maintain brand standards. Below is a tutorial video for dinner prep.

2. Product Links
An advertiser’s dream. See something you like in the magazine? You don’t have to flip through the encyclopedic ‘Resources’ section and try to find the needle in the haystack. Just click on the product and it sends you directly to the website where it’s sold. It’s my hunch that having your product featured in an iPad magazine will translate to a faster increase in revenue. Diana Cameras and sculptural bottle opener were featured in the latest edition.

3. No more stacks of magazines.
No longer do we need to pile up stacks of magazines, bemoaning the day when we have to recycle our precious glossies. Magazines are expensive, 3-15 bucks a pop, and tossing them is tough to do. With the iPad app you can easily store years of magazines virtually, and back them up to your computer. Snap a screen cap of your favorite article for safe keeping (by pressing the Home button and Power button at the same time) or follow the links to the websites article to bookmark. Saving paper, ink, the emissions used to deliver the magazines, and space in your closet. Win win. Below is the UI for browsing your collection.

If Martha isn’t your cup of tea (although i’m sure she’d love to make you one) other magazines have been creating their own iPad versions. I’ve listed a few of the great ones below. Enjoy, and happy swiping!

WIRED Magazine
Popular Mechanics
New Yorker
Esquire
and Vanity Fair.