This is not exactly a brand new idea. Some newspapers already offer audio versions of their stories. But this is the first one targeted at people stuck in traffic jams.
And can you guess where this service will be offered? San Francisco, you're right.
The San Francisco Chronicle, published by Hearst Communications, on Thursday announced it would offer a daily audio edition of the paper through customized CDs and enhanced mobile devices, in a move to reach people during commute hours.
To do this, the publisher partnered with MobileSoft, an Atlanta, Ga.-based software developer, to create customized CDs. Subscribers can sign up to have news or columns of interest automatically downloaded to disc via the PC by 6:30 a.m. PDT, then transfer it to a car stereo.
The audio service is expected to launch at the beginning of November. Pricing has yet to be determined, but the company said in a statement that it will cost "pennies per week."
Pennies per week?
For the service to work, people must own a CD rewritable drive, which the Chronicle plans to include in a subscription package.
I don't know what you do at 6:30 am. I know what I do. I'm having a coffee while listening to the radio to get the latest news. Yes, I'm not browsing on Internet at this moment of the day.
And I'm really skeptical about this concept: burning a CD while taking a shower or my breakfast.
No way, thanks.
Source: Stefanie Olsen, Special to ZDNet News, September 6, 2002
6:00:49 PM
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