Consumer Reports is expanding even further beyond the bounds of its subscription-based print publication with a new paid app for the iPhone.
According to a press release today, the consumer watchdog rolled Consumer Reports Mobile Shopper, a new app, with an introductory price of $9.99 for the first year. The company says the app will sell for $14.99 beginning January 1, 2011.
Much like its print product, Consumer Mobile Shopper provides users with instant access to ratings, recommendations, brand reliability and buying advice on thousands of appliances, electronics, children’s products, car care, and home products.
The app also allows consumers to research purchases by scanning UPC barcodes; searching for the make and model; or browsing through Consumer Reports expert ratings.
“This newest delivery system nicely complements our suite of media offerings,” said Jerry Steinbrink, vice president, Publishing, Consumer Reports, in a statement.
Consumer Reports began a paid model for web content when it launched ConsumerReports.org in 1997 with 300,000 subscribers. Today the site has over three million paid subscribers.
The app is available in the iTunes store for iPhones using iOS 4.0 or greater. A version for Android is currently in development, as well.
