First reviews surface of Branson’s iPad magazine
With the first copies of Richard Branson’s debut iPad magazine now warming Apple devices up and down the country people have been quick to log on and share their opinions.
Robert Andrews was first out of the starting blocks, describing the digital title as “decent enough” but “messy.”
Andrews rails against a “horrid” user interface which gave rise to installation difficulties over a wireless interface (the app requires the latest iOS 4.2 software to be installed).
In bold type Andrews states that it took him 2.5 hours to complete an installation which ought to have taken minutes, ill disposing him toward the publication before turning a page.
Further interface issues were raised over “indistinguishable” static and touch sensitive furniture, leading to “confusing” navigation.
Ultimately Andrews describes Project as a “decent” lifestyle mag, but not one that “needs” to be an iPad app.
Not all early adopters were disappointed however, Kenneth Tong got in quick with a five star review of the app, having been apparently seduced by a flashy animated intro of Tron star Jeff Bridges. He wrote on the app store: “I am happy to see him (Branson) return to what he is good at, as the Virgin Brand just wasn't what it was (and yes I used to fly Virgin Upper Class).”
Project couldn’t resist a dig at their News Corp rivals though, writing: “The irascible Aussie despot doesn’t throw his corked hat into the cyber ring until he’s sure of a market. Apart from the Times paywall, maybe. And MySpace. But, well, you know.”