Sensis rolls its own Yellow Pages iPad app

Stephen Withers
Wednesday, 16 March 2011 09:56

Your IT - Mobility

Sensis isn't ready to dump the iconic printed Yellow Pages directory, but it is expanding the ways it provides access to the underlying information. The latest development is an app specifically for the iPad and iPad 2.

Sensis' new Yellow Pages app for the iPad and iPad 2 delivers relevant ads from the print edition along with other search results. Even if you're not a big fan of advertising, it must be admitted that Yellow Pages ads deliver more information about the business than you'll get from the basic listings.



"The Yellow Pages book is something of an icon and remains central to our business model, but digital media is changing the way consumers access and process information - and we are embracing that," said Sensis CEO Gerry Sutton.

Company officials noted Nielsen research showing 8% of online Australians are using tablets. Indeed, Nielsen predicts tablet ownership will triple by the end of this year - though it will be interesting to see whether the iPad maintains its leading position, or whether competing platforms, notably Android, overtake it.

The free app, developed internally by Sensis, uses iPad features such as GPS, and touch-screen panning and zooming.

Mr Sutton said the new app "follows the success of our online, mobile and iPhone offerings, and is part of our multi-channel strategy to ensure Yellow Pages customers continue to be accessible, relevant and easy to find across all platforms."