WebProNews

The Boston Globe announced today the launch of GlobeReader, a new digital version of the newspaper that can be read offline or online.

With GlobeReader the content of the Globe is downloaded daily to a subscriber's desktop, laptop or netbook, in a format aimed at resembling the look and feel of the print version of the Boston Globe.  A preview edition is currently available to Globe subscribers. Plans for further expansion are in the works.

"GlobeReader is another important step toward our goal of being able to publish The Boston Globe on whichever platform our readers and advertisers value, and builds on the success we've seen with other platforms such as mobile devices and Kindle," said Susan Hunt Stevens, SVP digital.

Features of the GlobeReader include:

•  It's organized into sections familiar to Globe readers.  
• The navigation is easy and clear. 
   
•  Scanning for stories or photos is fast.  
• Articles are set in the same type font as the paper and the page design is understated and clean. 

Readability features include adjustable type size and screen size.

The Globe's new digital newspaper is powered by Adobe Flex and Adobe Air, part of the Adobe Flash Platform. While online GlobeReader users can search Boston.com for more features such as slide shows, videos and interactive graphics.

"Leveraging Adobe AIR, the new GlobeReader showcases the future of digital publishing and helps The Boston Globe to deliver a highly readable experience with a closer, more consistent connection to subscribers regardless of what computer operating system they use," said David Wadhwani, general manager of the Platform Business Unit at Adobe Systems.