WIRED Magazine

This app only gives access to a PDF version of the print magazines, and does not give access to the news content from the Wired web site. It also does not tell you this, and I went some time without understanding that there was more to my subscription. There is no reason that the app should not also give you access to the articles (including news articles) in a more readable format. Look to the Economist app to see how this can be done right.

If you purchase a digital subscription, WIRED does not give you access to their magazines and this app offers absolutely nothing of value. This was not communicated effectively at any part of the subscription process and makes the subsequent surprise feel deceptive. Moreover, the app does not even tell you that your subscription lacks access, rather it provides a vague “technical error” message. I had to write their customer service to finally get a meaningful answer. It’s hard to understand how WIRED, as a technology-focused publication, does not have an app for reading articles from their website, especially when digital subscribers are not given access to the magazines. Just embarrassingly bad.

TLDR: The $10 subscription doesn’t give you access to the app I paid for access thinking I’d be able to read Wired news articles. Downloaded the app. Then I got the error that everyone else is getting, “Sorry, we are currently experiencing technical issues… etc.” I emailed Wired about this tech issue and we’re going back and forth. I also emailed from the website, which required all manner of unnecessary personal information to simply ask the question. But I got an eye opening reply that apparently the Wired tech people are either unaware of, or something. From Condé Nast Customer Care: “At this time, a digital-only subscription does not include access to the WIRED app. Full access is reserved for magazine subscribers, as the app provides digital versions of the print issues. We completely understand how disappointing this can be, especially given the expectations surrounding digital access.”