HP creates a digital magazine called Pivot to sell apps

Hewlett-Packard is fighting an uphill battle in trying to get some attention paid to its new tablet computer, the TouchPad, which will be available from Canadian retailers July 15. So what does it use as a means of raising awareness, according to a post by the Los Angeles Times? It creates a magazine; more specifically a monthly digital magazine called Pivot that will spotlight the apps available as part of its WebOS, integral to the new tablet. Its intention is clearly to use the magazine to encourage downloads and app sales.

Pivot will publish "original content by journalists and photographers affiliated with leading publications" and include "visually driven editorial pieces, columns from notable guest writers sharing their perspectives on digital culture, feature stories focused on applications around specific topics, and in-depth reviews," HP said.

The magazine is also looking to reach not just U.S. customers but also international WebOS users by being offered each month in English, French, German and Spanish.