Press plus-interactive mobile application for effective news reading

Abstract

Presently younger generation relies more on mobile applications to acquire information instead of traditional methods. Hence, customary approaches of information distribution required to reinforce by modern technology. Especially newspaper industry needs a certain technology enhancement to make the reading experience more interesting and pleasurable for readers. The “Press Plus” is an application to form an association between the newspaper and modern technology to promote newspaper reading by allowing the user to watch news related videos via their smartphone. This application uses scanning and retrieving data through QR code technology with the collaboration of mobile & web application. The mobile application provides three main facilities; Video playback controller; which allows users to scan printed QR code and play news related videos, Top list; which permit users to rate and view top rated videos and live stream; which facilitate users to watch live events independent from location and time. Additionally to the application, a separate survey was conducted to evaluate newspapers reading habits of youth in Sri Lankan context. Survey results indicate that a large number of individuals prefer newspapers reading via modern technologies such as mobile applications. “Press Plus” is beneficial to both newspaper readers and publishers in many ways. It helps to enhance a number of newspaper readers by making it more attractive and pleasurable. In addition, readers get a novel experience while reading newspapers. Publishers indirectly can gain revenue through branding, marketing and event promotions via this application.