A patent application from Apple published this morning adds an intriguing twist to the tablet rumors where Apple is working out a deal with publishers to create a new publishing platform.

The patent details how ads could be presented in a way that requires the viewer to watch them by, for instance, superimposing something above the ad that needs to be moved or tapped. Ignore the ads and functionality is disabled until you watch them.

Cue consumer indignation…right…about…n—

But wait, consumers don’t necessarily mind ads. Terrible ads, sure, and ads about products you’re unlikely to use or find offensive, but ads about products and services you actually use? That’s something else.

The patent includes the ability to tailor the ads displayed based on your usage and preferences, making it more likely to make the ads more palatable, pleasing both users and advertisers.

This should lower the cost of hardware and software to broaden the market and should enable new services, including the pervasive ability to try-before-you-buy without publishers having to give something away for free. You watch ads at first, then when you decide to you like the product, you pay a fee, and no more ads.

Sounds like a great system with potential to make everyone happy. Especially Apple, who presumably would get a slice of that juicy ad revenue.

Thursday, October 22nd, 2009, 10:54 am    Both comments and pings are currently closed.