Google Fast Flip

Google Fast Flip: A green move or the death of print media?

Google has unleashed their newest media, Google Fast Flip. Essentially, Fast Flip functions like a digital newspaper or magazine. Allowing you to, as the name suggests, flip through the "pages" of a given publication.

The idea was spurred in much the same way the idea for Chrome was. There was an obvious need to stream line certain features of certain online abilities. Chrome made browsing faster by cutting down on the clutter, Fast Flip is cutting down on the graphics and memory intensive elements of media websites to make the "digital experience" of reading a newspaper or magazine more enjoyable.

Where does this leave print media though? How can we Reduce, Reuse, Recycle old newspapers and magazines into mess prevention devices if they are always displayed on our monitors? How is the print media world going to make money if there is no revenue from the sale of a daily newspaper? How can you read The New York Times on the subway without busting out your new and exciting netbook?

Each of the above queries have already been answered it seems. Print media is going to be pulling revenue from ad sales driven by content and priced according to viewership. Think ad words for newspapers. As for the need to be attached at the hip to your PC while reading your daily news: well, duh, they made it work with android and iphones (think E-zine or E-paper).

Ok, so not all of the queries have been answered. Snacker, DO NOT line your ferrets cage with computer monitors. Bum some old newspapers from your non-google-savvy neighbor or something.

So, give it a look. See if this is some interesting and inspired Google genius or complete idiocy. fastflip

One thing is certain. Google has made a definitive move to back up print media. In today's world, the ultimate fate of print is uncertain. Solutions, at least for the titles that have lasted this long, may be on the horizon.

-Matt