JP2: Microsoft attempts digital paper
By Erina Lin, Tuesday 27 November 2007 at 22:41 :: World Digital Media Trends :: #912 :: rss
Microsoft and the Danish newspaper Jutland Post (Morgenavisen Jyllands-Posten) have launched a new digital product, a platform called JP2, which mixes print and online venues.
Consumers must download and install a couple of software programs, and launch the JP2 platform. Navigation is different from most, but the layout looks like a real print newspaper.
Right now The Jutland Post is offering a free trial for 30 days. After that, JP2 will be a paid-for feature. However, several U.S. papers are using the same platform, such as the New York Times, Seattle Post, Daily Mail and Forbes.
Ernst Poulsen from Poynter pointed out the biggest advantages and problems of JP2 as follows:
Problems: - Extreme entry level. Users need to install 72 MB of software plus special JP2 software. First time load is heavy. - Slowness. JP2 takes about 25-45 seconds to launch - even when synchronized. - Usability problems. Navigation is unusual and more difficult, and cover pages show fewer articles than a typical Web page. - Looking ahead. Advertising will probably clutter pages when introduced.
Advantages: - Microsoft is backing the software. - Readability. Fonts are easy to read on the screen. - Lots of content. JP2 integrates seven-day newspaper and three sites in one interface. - Updates. It updates whenever the computer is online. - Speed. Navigation is quick after JP2 has loaded.
Jutland Post online editor considered JP2 as “an exercise for the future.” However, according to Ernst Poulsen, JP2 may have a future when portable, flexible e-readers are ready for the market in three to five years. “Until then, I think JP2 is just an exercise that may not survive long,” he concluded in a Poynter Online article.
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