The world’s first web-connected magazine, which opens up exclusive internet content when held up next to an RFID scanner, has just hit shelves. Read on to find out if this is the saviour of print publishing.
The mag in question is Amusement, a trendy publication about gaming and style. Its latest issue has just gone on sale, with an extra special twist. Where other magazines might include a demo disc, Amusement goes one step further by being web-connected.
On page 2 of the mag, you’ll find an RFID (Radio frequency identification) tag. Pop the web-connected magazine next to an RFID Mir:ror scanner and you’ll get access to a video, several “interactive” apps from artists that we’re not cool enough to have heard of, and a 3D video. Each issue of the web-connected magazine also comes with its own email address, so you’ll be able to reach out to the writers quickly and easily.
We’ll hold judgment on the content until we see it, but we like the distribution method at least: we predicted that RFID tech would take off this year. But is this the solution to print publishing’s hemorrhaging sales, or a tacky gimmick marking the death throes of magazines? The web-connected magazine is on sale in the UK at the Barbican in London, so we’re off to pick up a copy and see for ourselves.
Out Now | €9 (£8.50) | Amusement
