A recent report by The Bookseller states that Apple is yet to reach a deal with European publishers for its iBookstore. Four major UK publishers struck last minute deals with Apple, stocking the international iBookstore with new eBooks. It has been observed that Europeans are being far more cautious than Americans when it comes to tablet computers.
Mathias Dopfner, CEO of German publishing house Axel Springer, sees the iPad 'as delivering what we were all waiting for'. Springer has already expanded its iKiosk iPad application to include its tabloid Bild, Hamburger Abendblatt, Bild am Sonntag and Berliner Morgenpost in addition to its digital editions of Welt am Sonntag, Welt and Welt Kompakt. German iPad users can use the iKiosk app for free for 30 days and then choose between several subscription models.
However, Swiss publisher Michael Ringier is of the opinion that it is good journalism and not gadgets that are going to save newspapers. Many European publishers, who had not launched iPad apps when European sales began May 28, have reportedly supported Ringier's views. According to a recent article published in Followthemedia, the differences that the leaders of these two major European publishing houses have when it comes to tablets is an example of how European mindsets on the iPad are far apart.
The iPad went on sale in Europe on May 28. Media reports indicate that European iPad enthusiasm seems somewhat muted. According to Ringier, it will take several years before the iPad reaches the business environment and he is not looking for it to be print's savior. Europe's largest magazine publisher, Gruner +Jahr (Bertelsmann) is not happy with the way Apple regulates its app system. Gruner + Jahr decided to go with another tablet, WePad, where it can control content. In addition, one of Europe's largest media players, Bertelsmann, is also not going near the iPad. Bertelsmann does not approve of the 30 percent of revenue that goes to Apple for selling electronic books on the iPad.
Europeans are reportedly not very impressed with the publishing apps they have seen in the US. They are still clueless about what readers will be willing to pay. The most prevalent European view, as of now, seems to be to wait and see how the likes of Springer actually do before adopting the device.
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