Brian Fling on PinchZoom's New HTML5-based Publishing Platform

Is HTML5 one of the keys to publishing's future? Brian Fling, founder of PinchZoom, think so. His company's new publishing platform is called PinchZoom Press and it's built atop HTML5. In this interview Brian tells us about what PinchZoom Press can do and why it's an important new entrant in the e-publishing space. Key points include:

• The platform consists of three different pieces of technology  -- A native app for iOS devices, a layout tool and a content management system. [Discussed at 1:50]
• Why choose HTML5 rather than EPUB 3? -- As flexible and powerful as EPUB is, it's still not as platform agnostic as HTML5. Plus, every device comes with a web browser but not necessarily an EPUB reader. [Discussed at 2:56]
• But it's really "not about EPUB or HTML" -- Don't focus on the end client. It's about understanding how your content is managed and about how your content is presented in a mixed platform world. [Discussed at 5:07]
• Portability introduces some limitations -- HTML5 is wonderful for portability and knowing that your product will render well on all platforms but it also means you might not have access to sensors, cameras and other potentially important device features. [Discussed at 7:20]
• Native apps are here to stay -- Yes, that means we'll have to invest in apps across at least two platforms. The simple truth is the native app will probably always offer the best user experience for that particular platform. [Discussed at 10:40] 
• Pricing is still being finalized -- PinchZoom is leaning towards only charging for the content management system, and that's likely to be a monthly fee.  [Discussed at 19:45]