‘Metro’ targets a young, urban audience and has more than 17 million daily readers of its 100 free editions over four continents.
The Roxen software will allow seamless integration of its online content for iPad users. Metro executive vice president and online director Peter Holmlund says the requirements were “challenging from a technical as well as a commercial perspective”,
“We wanted an innovative tablet app for the iPad, offering our readers an even better look-and-feel and user experience than our regular online editions,” he says. “Something future-proof while at the same time using native device functionality such as rubber band, swiping, off-line reading and other functionality nowadays expected by iPad users. Social media interaction and user comments were essential and, for ease of use and visibility, it was to be made available in App store.”
There was a catch however: The solution could not require any additional editorial headcount or cost for third party software, or additional variable cost for downloads.
The Roxen software for tablets and smartphones combines template-driven, automated publishing with a hybrid-app using HTML5, supporting iPad and iPhone, with additional platforms including Android to follow.