Zinio Reveals Second Of Three Core Elements Of Its 'UNITY' Platform: Design

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Zinio, the world's leader in digital publishing, technology, distribution and services, today announced the second element of its "UNITY" platform -- design optimization -- in conjunction with the latest addition to its newsstand from the United States Tennis Association: USTA Magazine (zinio.com/ustamag).  This news follows Zinio's January 11th unveiling of its "UNITY" platform, which premiered with a device launch of its iPhone app (zinio.com/iphone), and is part of an ongoing series of announcements from Zinio regarding the future of digital publishing.

"Zinio, in conjunction with our partners, has been creating award-winning, dynamic content designed for the medium.  While many publishers and technologies are just starting to talk about what they plan to do, we already are doing it (zinio.com/interactive)," said Rich Maggiotto, President & CEO, Zinio.  "We are proud of the dynamic, high-fidelity product that Zinio and the USTA have launched, offering readers and sports fans worldwide a way to connect with their coveted content in a convenient and compelling way."

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) published this 106-page, digital-only issue of USTA Magazine in conjunction with its four annual print issues as a member benefit for its 742,000 members.  This first dynamic issue also is available to the general public through the Association's website, USTA.com.

"We're excited to partner with Zinio to bring USTA members closer to the sport and the association through the use of digital technology," said Mark Preston, Editor-in-Chief, USTA Magazine.  "This unique, digital-only, bonus edition of USTA Magazine will enhance our readers' experience through exclusive video, audio and photography that jumps off the page and puts them right in the middle of the game they enjoy."

As digital readers flip the pages and see a recurring button shaped like a tennis ball, clicking it will create the familiar "popping" sound of a racquet striking a ball.  Other dynamic features include animation, scrolling text and a dynamically designed cover that rotates eight images of iconic tennis moments.

"Success in digital publishing begins when technological innovations intersect with high-quality content and offer the reader ultimate convenience and choice," said Jeanniey Mullen, Global Chief Marketing Officer, Zinio.  "A successful digital publication must offer compelling content in a dynamic manner, optimized for the device-of-the-moment in the readers' minds.  Achieve that, and use occasions increase to upwards of five times that of traditional digital readership, which pleases one's advertisers and creates an entirely new eco-system for the advent of profitable publishing."

In addition to USTA Magazine, Zinio's approach to UNITY's focus on design has unleashed dynamic reading experiences for more than a dozen titles, including: Outside's GO, Popular Science's "Genius Guide" series: Home Entertainment, The Green Home Guide and Tech Buyer's Guide, VIVmag and, soon, will be launching dynamic editions with its newest partner, the National Geographic Society.

About Zinio:

Zinio is revolutionizing reading.  Through digital products and services, the Company creates better ways for people to discover published content, get more of it and do more with it.  Zinio works closely with publishers worldwide to reinvent reading.  For consumers, Zinio enables the ability to shop for, search inside, read, share and save digital content in new ways and on many devices.  With over 50,000 digital magazines and books, and e-stores localized in 15 languages, zinio.com is the largest newsstand in the world.  Founded in 2001 and privately held, Zinio is headquartered in San Francisco and has offices in New York, London, Paris, Barcelona and Taipei.

About the United States Tennis Association:

The USTA is the national governing body for the sport of tennis in the U.S. and the leader in promoting and developing the growth of tennis at every level -- from local communities to the highest level of the professional game.  A not-for-profit organization with 740,000 members, it invests 100% of its proceeds in growing the game.  It owns and operates the US Open, the highest attended annual sporting event in the world, and launched the Olympus US Open Series linking 10 summer tournaments to the US Open.  In addition, it owns the 90-plus Pro Circuit events throughout the U.S., is a minority owner and promotional partner of World TeamTennis, and selects the teams for the Davis Cup, Fed Cup, Olympic and Paralympic Games.  The USTA philanthropic entity, USTA Serves, provides grants and scholarships and through tennis, helps underserved youth and people with disabilities to improve academics, build character and strive for excellence.  For more information on the USTA, log on to usta.com.

SOURCE Zinio