A prototype of an interactive Ensign magazine is now available as a free app for iPads and soon for Android tablets. This is an enhanced digital version of the conference issue of the November 2011 issue of the Ensign.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is using this test to evaluate whether to publish its magazines in an interactive digital format.

• The app includes audio, video, links to LDS.org, and extra pictures not found in the printed magazine.
• It is now available free through the Apple Store for the iPad. In about a week it will also be available through the Android Market for tablets such as the Motorola Xoom and the Samsung Galaxy Tab. [It became available December 20.] Search for “LDS Ensign.” You’ll see versions of the Ensign provided by others, so look for the one published by the Church, which will have the blue icon shown below.
• Once you download the magazine, you don’t need an Internet connection to watch the embedded video highlights and audio of entire talks. If you have a wireless connection, you can follow links to the LDS.org conference page or other sites.
• You can jump to specific talks and enlarge pictures at the touch of a finger. Other navigation options give you quick access to the contents, including a thumbnail view of the magazine pages and a miniature table of contents you can access throughout the issue.
• When you tap on a portrait in the organizational chart of Church leaders, biographies of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles appear.

Learn more in the article “Tablet Prototype of Ensign Tests Possibility of Interactive” on Church News & Events.

Please download and try this free app. Then submit feedback with the link at the top of the contents page. Your comments and suggestions will help in the decision whether to proceed in publishing magazines in this interactive format.