Consumer Reports launches iPad subs, smart phone apps

Laura Hazard Owen of PaidContent.org writes about how Consumer Reports has launched a series of iPad subscriptions and smart phone applications.

Owen writes, “The CR iPad subscriptions launch with the January 2012 issue, which goes on sale December 6. Also starting with the January 2012 issue, print subscribers (who pay $29 per year) will have access to the iPad edition for free. Single issues are available through iTunes for $4.99, monthly iPad subscriptions are $2.99 and annual iPad subscriptions are $24.99.

“The iPad edition is not included with online subscriptions, however: Subscribers to ConsumerReports.org, who pay $26 per year, can add the iPad edition for an additional $12 per year. (Somewhat confusingly, print subscribers don’t get free access to ConsumerReports.org, but can add it for $19 per year.)

“Previously, iPad subscriptions were not available (single issues of the magazine on the iPad were $3.99) and print subscribers did not get free iPad access—something that made many of them quite unhappy, judging by the iTunes comments. (‘As of now I rate CR a poor buy and do not recommend,’ wrote one user.)

“Chris Moody, CR director and general manager of print products, told Folio that the company intended all along to offer iPad/print bundles and iPad subscriptions, but didn’t have the resources to do so at the outset.”

Read more here.