While wearables are nothing new, the Apple Watch garnered unprecedented attention and excitement upon its pending debut. With approximately one million online pre-orders in the first day of sales alone, some analysts are predicting the device will be Apple’s most profitable product line ever.
Consumers eagerly anticipated the newest addition from Apple. But what does this mean for news publishers? In an industry where many are still transitioning to digital, how will the Apple Watch affect media companies? Should it affect anything at all?
The answer is absolutely. The newly designed iwatch with its highly publicized debut is a clear indication that media organizations should properly plan for ever-changing technology and the impact it will have on how users receive news.
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Consumers still want smaller.
While smartphones are increasing in screen size, the Apple Watch confirms that, for some consumers, smaller is better. The product’s two sizes, 38mm and 42mm, mean that information must be condensed to a much smaller screen than ever before. This means current digital content cannot simply be pushed to the new device.
Some companies planned for this in advance, developing product-specific content for Apple Watch consumers. The New York Times developed one-sentence stories to fit on one screen of the device. This constitutes six lines of characters, with no restrictions on font style or size. The Economist’s approach will allow subscribers to the digital edition to play the audio edition from the device.
Consumer attention spans will be shorter.
Whereas smartphone readers will typically spend more time searching a news website or reading an article in its entirety, the Apple Watch will introduce “Glance journalism” to the masses. This new unit of news is so short that publishers must make sure any content is clear, concise, and engaging enough when a user glances at their watch for information.
The concept of a “Glance” has been non-existent for news publishers until now. While readers want their information on the go, Apple Watch users will now want their information even quicker and with fewer interruptions.
Consumers will have a learning curve.
As with any new device, there is a learning curve for users. Just as users had to adjust to the first iPhone, the Apple Watch has a number of unique features that require a learning curve, including scrolling and zooming, using the touchscreen for additional features, and more.
Notifications must also be handled carefully, as each one means a glance at the device. Too many notifications will create more of a nuisance than simply ignoring or silencing them via smartphones. Properly adjusting these settings will take some effort initially from the user.
How should news media companies prepare for this new technology?
While the Apple Watch is limited to those with iPhones or iPads, the buzz surrounding it is a clear indication that wearables should not be taken lightly in news publishing. As there will surely be forthcoming iterations, its imperative that companies begin to understand what consumers of these technologies want, and tailor their offerings to meet this demand.
At Mediaspectrum, our CORE Platform ensures that your media organization is future-proof, streamlining operations to allow your organization to quickly innovate and seamlessly integrate new solutions as needed. Our cloud-based solution helps reach users across every major channel, including mobile and beyond.
The Apple Watch proves that, in the fast-moving world of technology, the times (and technology) are still changing. How news media companies keep pace with these changes can mean the difference between success and stagnation. Make sure your organization is moving forward.
Is your organization prepared for the next generation of technology?
To learn more about what’s coming, and how to prepare, click here.
