HP has announced updates to its HP MagCloud portfolio with features that provide publishers improved options in both print and digital offerings.

The redesigned MagCloud iPad application (app) is more intuitive, offers improved functionality and supports the Retina display of the new iPad. The new app lets users sign in to their HP MagCloud account to download and read digital publications previously purchased through MagCloud.com, and enables them to store and manage purchased publications in a cloud-based library.

The app also allows publishers to insert hyperlinks into their publications, providing a richer reader experience and new monetisation options for advertisers. The HP MagCloud iPad app is available at no additional cost in the iPad App Store.

The square product is a new compact publication format that is ideal for portfolios, look books, small catalogues, handbooks and more. It can be perfect bound or saddle stitched and is eight inches wide by eight inches tall.

Expanding the flyer product options beyond standard letter size, new formats are 8 inches by 8 inches, 5.5 inches wide by 8.5 inches tall and 8.5 inches wide by 5.5 inches tall. All are printed on premium paper stock, helping users give their publications a more professional feel. In addition, flyer products now come with the option of UV coating for increased durability. These new product sizes are ideal for wedding programmes, real estate postcards and event flyers.

“HP MagCloud is committed to providing a service that helps businesses and publishers tailor their brand narrative and deliver it to their audience in the format they prefer, both print and digital, increasing brand awareness and, ultimately, their bottom line,” said Andrew Bolwell, HP chief MagClouder,.

Invented by HP Labs, the company’s central research arm, HP MagCloud is a web service that empowers users to self-publish and distribute content for business or personal use, as a professional-quality print publication or digitally for mobile and online viewing.

Additional information is available at www.magcloud.com .