New York Times lets readers move content between PC and mobile

By Mickey Alam Khan

February 26, 2008

Consumers can add and save content through ShifD

The New York Times has introduced new technology that will let readers shift content between their computers and mobile phones.

The publisher’s ShifD application will let consumers update information from any Web browser via text message from a mobile phone or through a mobile Web browser. Users can also move such content by using a downloadable application on Adobe AIR.

“We see a future for device-independent media, with convergence around the user experience and not any particular delivery platform,” said Michael Zimbalist, vice president of research and development operations at The New York Times Co., in a statement.

“Developing services that allow users to access content wherever they are and on whichever device they choose is an important part of our strategy,” he said.

What ShifD does is cut the need to separately save content to both a PC and a mobile phone. Also, the content is saved to the reader’s ShifD account and automatically updated on all devices.

Consumers can add and save content through ShifD in three categories. The first is Notes, where they can save items such as grocery lists or book titles. Next is Links, which lets them save links to articles or to other sites for viewing later. Finally, there is Places, which saves addresses with corresponding maps.

The Times is using the mBlox platform for SMS messages.

ShifD is in beta form.

As of 4:45 p.m. yesterday, ShifD’s site had this note on the homepage:

“Hi ShifD BETA user. We're having a few issues due to all the signups ... Please contact us with any issues so we can try to fix them as quickly as we can. Thanks!”