Scanie: Yet Another Digital News Stand Platform for iPad

So far, it is known that digital newsstand segment of local media for iPad is dominated by two players: Wayang Force and SCOOP. Now, both must be ready to accept new competitor. Scanie is a new player in this field and is made by PT Centrin Online – a company previously known for its Internet Service Provider business. Scanie is available dedicated for iPad.

Generally, Scanie’s appearance and content are not much different from its two competitors. A number of familiar magazines (and most of them are already available in the other two applications) are available on Scanie with the same price. To be honest, I haven’t found any difference between the three applications which target the same segment. Although magazine from Scanie, when downloaded, is easier to scroll and to read, it’s not a big advantage to be proud of.

This segment is relatively new in Indonesia. Even though iPad user has started to enjoy purchasing magazine digitally – at least, they don’t have to find a kiosk and won’t be hassled with the storage – but the market is certainly still quite small then the printed version. The publishers, as well, I think, are still uncertain about the consumer for this segment. In my opinion, the proof of confidence to use digital newsstand platform is the availability of subscription feature, for example, 6 months or 1 year subscription as a benchmark of sustainable revenue.

Although it seems that Wayang Force and SCOOP are already getting result from revenue side, with relatively small market, the three applications have to jostle to fight for the available cake (acceptance).