New Apps from JZD!
Joe Zeff Design has two new apps in the iTunes App Store today — issues of Fast Company and PC Magazine that truly showcase the potential of digital publishing. Fast Company's cover story features "The Lost Steve Jobs Tapes," with more than 40 minutes of exclusive audio from journalist Brent Schlender's recorded interviews with the late Apple founder. The iPad edition surpasses print in many ways, starting with the two-page cover that includes an index of articles, a play button that lets you hear Jobs' voice before opening the magazine, and an animated portrait of Jobs by digital fingerpainter Jorge Colombo. Inside the issue are five more Colombo portraits depicting Jobs at different stages of his career, a half-hour podcast and a bonus reprint of a past Jobs feature — all baked into the app; no Internet required. The issue is Retina-optimized for new iPads and available here.
The May issue of PC Magazine also hit the App Store today, with a cover story downloadable software that's absolutely free. The cover itself springs to life with a rich animation designed by Phil Bratter and animated by Christopher Holewski and Ed Gabel that you won't want to miss. The entire issue is interactive, with literally hundreds of buttons unlocking layers of content. The columnists' perspectives are presented as a mix of curated text and real-time Twitter feeds. Like Fast Company, PC Magazine is Retina-optimized for third-generation iPads, including their free sample issue. Unlike Fast Company, PC Magazine exists only as a digital brand, which affords more freedom to create an experience specifically targeted for tablets. PC Magazine is available here.
Both magazines are produced monthly by Joe Zeff Design using Adobe Digital Publishing Suite, combining the simplicity of Adobe's platform with tablet-focused design and HTML enhancements. Shoutouts to Florian and Noah at Fast Company, Kathleen and Stephanie at PC Magazine, and the rest of the JZD team — specifically, Josh Penrod and Krissi Xenakis — for their contributions to these outstanding issues.
In other news:
• We've added UCLA Anderson School of Management as a client, and will work with the university and its design studio, Chess Design, to relaunch its alumni magazine on the tablet. We're excited about the opportunity to work with UCLA and other universities to leverage the iPad and other technology as a way to engage with alumni, students and colleagues throughout the world.
• President Joe Zeff will be speaking on "iPad Publishing Strategies" at the City and Regional Magazine Association 2012 Annual Conference May 21 in Las Vegas — hi ho! Download more information here. Also, Joe will moderate a panel discussion at a Magazine Publishers of America conference June 21 in New York City. Details here.
• We're moving to new offices April 27, relocating to a converted church two blocks away from our current space. What better place to find creative inspiration! We're very excited about our next-door neighbor inside the church, the Fanbrandz division of Frederick & Froberg. Stay tuned for updates and an invitation to our grand opening.
• Congratulations to Dr. Mario Garcia on his upcoming e-book, "iPad Design Lab: Storyteling in the Age of the Tablet." We designed the cover of Mario's new digital book and provided interviews and insights throughout the process. Beyond his legacy as a publication designer and his influence as a consultant with hundreds of clients worldwide, we value Mario as a dear friend and wish him the very best with his must-read tome on tablets.
Have a great weekend enjoying Fast Company and PC Magazine on your iPads!