UK Newspaper The Times is offering a subsidized Google Nexus 7 tablet. Instead of paying the £199 you would normally pay for the device, The Times will charge you just £50 for the tablet, as long as you take out a subscription to their digital publication, which will set you back £4 a week.

Subscribe for just £4 a week and read The Times and The Sunday Times wherever and whenever you like.
We’ll even give you an award-winning tablet – the Nexus 7 by ASUS with 32GB – worth £199 for just £50. So you can enjoy our award-winning journalism with all the interactivity of the Nexus 7, as well as music, movies, apps and games from Google Play™.
Why This Offer is a Game Changer
This is an interesting move from The Times, who are obviously trying to increase online subscriptions to their digital publications. By offering a high-quality tablet at a significantly reduced price, they are lowering the barrier to entry for potential subscribers. This strategy not only makes their digital content more accessible but also adds value to the subscription package. The Nexus 7 tablet, known for its robust performance and versatility, enhances the reading experience with its high-resolution display and user-friendly interface.
The Nexus 7 by ASUS is a powerful device with 32GB of storage, making it ideal for downloading and storing a variety of content. Subscribers can enjoy The Times and The Sunday Times’ award-winning journalism with all the interactivity that the tablet offers. This includes not just reading articles but also engaging with multimedia content such as videos, interactive graphics, and more. Additionally, the tablet provides access to a plethora of other entertainment options, including music, movies, apps, and games from Google Play™.
Potential Impact on the Publishing Industry
We wonder if other publishers will offer a similar deal in the future. This initiative by The Times could set a precedent for other newspapers and magazines looking to boost their digital readership. In an era where print media is struggling to maintain its foothold, digital subscriptions are becoming increasingly important. By bundling a valuable tech gadget with their subscription, The Times is not only attracting new readers but also encouraging existing ones to switch to their digital platform.
Moreover, this offer could potentially lead to a broader trend where media companies partner with tech manufacturers to provide subsidized devices. This symbiotic relationship benefits both parties: tech companies get their products into more hands, and media companies increase their subscriber base. For instance, imagine a future where subscribing to a digital magazine could get you a discounted e-reader or a smart speaker.
Another aspect to consider is the long-term value for subscribers. While the initial cost of £50 for the Nexus 7 is a significant discount, the weekly subscription fee of £4 adds up over time. However, for avid readers and those who consume a lot of digital content, this could still be a cost-effective way to access high-quality journalism and a versatile tablet.
In conclusion, The Times’ offer of a subsidized Nexus 7 tablet for new digital subscribers is a bold and innovative strategy. It not only provides immediate value to the consumer but also has the potential to reshape the way media companies approach digital subscriptions. As the publishing industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how other players respond to this move and whether similar offers become more commonplace.
Source: The Times
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