New York Times preparing for 'impending Apple slate'

[javajolt]

It's no secret that newspapers in the U.S. are having their share of difficulties during this economic downturn, but New York Times Executive Editor Bill Keller is looking to the future and that future includes an Apple tablet.

Keller's remarks came during a presentation earlier this month to the digital staff at The New York Times. Video of the "off-the-record" meeting was obtained by the Nieman Journalism Lab and posted on its site. At the meeting, Keller addressed some of the things the newspaper needs to do to succeed, including preparing for platforms of the future.

"We need to figure out the right journalistic product to deliver to mobile platforms and devices," said Keller. "I'm hoping we can get the newsroom more actively involved in the challenge of delivering our best journalism in the form of Times Reader, iPhone apps, WAP, or the impending Apple slate, or whatever comes after that."

It's not clear whether Keller has inside knowledge of an Apple tablet or if he was just assuming the existence of the device based on the rumors and speculation that have been around for months.

However, Keller could know more than the average person. Apple has reportedly been talking to several high-profile media companies, negotiating to get its content ready for a new device the company is preparing to launch, according to Gizmodo.

Attracting companies like The New York Times could be a win-win for both companies--Apple would have reputable content for its device and companies like The New York Times would have a new revenue source for its business.

source:cnet

[javajolt]

Here’s a shocker: The New York Times has been working closely with gadget makers to get its content onto new platforms, and one of those devices is the Apple tablet. Speaking at an all-hands meeting at the TimesCenter, executive editor Bill Keller spoke of new strategies for the digital age, but here’s the quote you care about: “

I’m hoping we can get the newsroom more actively involved in the challenge of delivering our best journalism in the form of Times Reader, iPhone apps, WAP, or the impending Apple slate, or whatever comes after that.” The speech was supposed to be off the record, but now it’s online and can’t be taken back. Still, it’s surprising that Keller acknowledged the Apple tablet’s existence to the Times’ entire digital group.

Of course, Keller’s remarks bring us no closer to knowing what the tablet is (aside from a large-screen multi-touch device), when it will be released or how much it’ll cost. “Impending” is a relative term no matter how urgent it sounds. I do wonder, however, whether Keller meant the “Apple slate” or the “Apple Slate.” It’s not a term I’ve heard in the tech world, but for what it’s worth, “Slate” isn’t a bad name for the product.