The Guardian has released an application for the iPhone which aggregates its content for your mobile screen.
While it costs £2.39 to download, users will still be getting the same content found on the website - which can be easily seen using the iPhone's web browser for free.
Of course the Guardian app, which was developed by 2ergo, does package things a lot more neatly, and offers them for free once the app has been bought (for not much more than the cost of a Sunday newspaper).
But that doesn't mean the Guardian won't be charging in the future - on its FAQ it says that it only intends to keep core news free:
"At the moment you can use the app to read or listen to as much Guardian content as you like at no extra cost.
Core service
"We are committing to offering a core level of service for the one-off charge but that doesn't rule out the possibility of charging for extra functionality at some point in the future."
The cost involved was also explained by Mobile Product Manager Jonathon Moore:
"At an early stage we decided to set the bar high, which hopefully means the app has been planned, designed, tested and developed to offer a truly engaging experience," he said.
"The investment involved in this requires us to ask a small fee in return."
Although it's only a one-off cost, it does raise the spectre of paywalls for content once again - especially if the Guardian does go ahead and charge for additional content in the future.
Via the BBC
Your comments (5) Click to add a new comment
kashiq
December 16th 2009
5. iphone applications are best but again people are comparing Android with apple but no one is talking about Nokia's OS as they are making Nokia Aeon http://www.domesticutilities.com/aeon.htm and bringing some very nice applications
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mjpower4
December 15th 2009
4. I already buy the guardian so now I should pay twice time to review my news input me thinks
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frankieboy
December 14th 2009
3. Pay to read the Guardian?!!! I'm sure many bearded sandal-wearers will be happy to do so...Not me.
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nicolasmerritt
December 14th 2009
2. Why shouldn't they charge all they can for their app, especially if they can offer added value through it? Lots of other people do. Good luck to them. No idea if it will work (it might do - people do seem to value stuff differently when it's on a mobile platform). Papers don't need any more 'free' readers. They need ones who will pay, one way or another.
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mjpower4
December 14th 2009
1. Not good Guardian, Not good!! The app on my G1 for the guardian is completely free and includes the full news in multiple sections again free plus leaders and pictures too - all can be archived for use later or storage. I know it is only £2.39 but the news papers will never learn that setting the bar for payment will not lead people into loyalty of purchase
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