Smartphones, Tablets, E-Readers Creating New Revenue Opportunities for Publishers

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Burlingame, CA and London, UK—April 9, 2010—The surging popularity of untethered devices like the iPad, iPhone, Blackberry, Kindle and Sony Reader will help breathe new life into the publishing and information industries, but which revenue models will take hold will depend on the device, according to a new report from Outsell, Inc.

“These mobile devices give publishers a chance to redefine user experiences with their content and to reset the rules for monetizing it as well, but current uncertainty as to how it will evolve means it’s time for experimentation,” said Ned May, director and lead analyst, Outsell. “That means content providers will also need patience as the landscape unfolds.”

Outsell’s “Device Wars” report is based on a February 2010 survey of more than 800 consumers on their use of smartphones, tablets, and e-readers, as well as interviews with executives across publishers and device manufacturers. These devices allow readers to connect with content in new ways, an emerging experience Outsell calls the untethered web.

The report includes data on device ownership in the U.S., forecast market penetration, and initial reactions to the iPad; a table examining primary attributes of different devices, and an analysis of why each presents a unique opportunity; information on how advertising is likely to unfold across untethered content; and essential actions for publishers and information providers.

“For publishers, the opportunity across each type of device depends on two fundamentals: demand for a new content experience and the feasibility to deliver it on that device,” added Mr. May.

Among Outsell’s projections:
-Adoption of smartphones will remain an order of magnitude ahead of tablets and e-readers.
-Current e-reader adoption will slow in favor of “cooler” devices, but there is still a loyal niche market that offers room for growth.

For the report:http://www.outsellinc.com/store/products/915?refid=pr915.

Journalists: Contact Dawn Ringel,dawn@warnerpr.com.

ABOUT OUTSELL, INC.:
Outsell is the only research and advisory firm focused on advancing the publishing and information industries. Our international team provides independent, fact-based analysis and actionable advice about competitors, markets, operational benchmarks, and best practices, so our clients thrive and grow in today's fast-changing digital and global environment. Outsell tracks and analyzes over 7,000 information industry companies, as well as the needs, habits, and spending patterns of advertisers, enterprise information buyers, and end users. Outsell’s headquarters are in Burlingame, CA, with offices in London and in Cambridge, MA. Seewww.outsellinc.com.

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