Local Family Life Magazines

Sweep Int'l Tech Awards

Groundbreaking Technology Gives Readers Interactive Mobile Access

Local Sonoma Family Life and MendoLake Family Life Magazines have both won top awards in a competition representing the best of the best among leading regional family magazines. The international Parenting Media Association awarded the Best Use of Multimedia for both local magazines, topping both of their respective circulation categories, as well as a finalist award in the Interview Category.

The judges called the magazines’ use of augmented reality innovative and daring, noting “The technology brings interactivity to the local family magazine… This is an excellent use of technology for the parent on the go...”

Hailed as of the wave of future, Family Life Magazines were the first among all 745 entries to incorporate the winning mobile technology. The free app is available on the mendolakefamilylife.com website and also sonomafamilylife.com.

“We’re also thrilled to be the first publication in the Bay Area to deliver this modern interactive multimedia experience to our local readers,” says editor and founder Sharon Gowan. “Now our readers don’t have to wait to find out more about a story or a local business that interests them. They get instant info and answers on the go, wherever they may be. It’s a huge timesaver, and fun too!”

“Marketers are excited about how they can turn their magazine ad into instant video, social and ecommerce, in English or Spanish. That’s why the likes of Google, Apple and HP also see a bright future for this engaging new technology. It just gives you what you want, when you want it, in a fun way!" 

“Modern parents and children grew up in a Harry Potter world,” notes Gowan, “so when they see the magazine pages come to life on their phone or tablet, they love it!  In October our readers saw ghosts and goblins pop up in our virtual mini-haunted magazine. This month, kids (and probably their parents) are using their phones to hunt for virtual Easter eggs in our March magazine. And we have more in store for our readers in up-coming issues. We’re excited about the engaging new ways we can help our local community connect, explore, and enjoy."

The competition is designed to recognize excellence in journalism, photography and design. A panel of 26 judges reviewed the 745 entries from magazines throughout the United States, Australia and Canada. Parenting Media Association (PMA) gave out 87 Editorial and Design Competition awards at the annual conference banquet on March 9, in Atlanta.

---

Now Playing!

See Mendo Lake Family Life magazine pages turn into video and instant access. Enjoy the area's first video-magazine with the latest interactive mobile print technology.

It's Easy and Fun.

Use the links below to download the FREE app, Aurasma. Then just link to activate your exclusive Mendo Lake Family Life content!

1. Download the FREE app:

Link for Android devices

Link for Apple devices

2. Activate Sonoma Family Life's exclusive content

Link to follow Mendo Lake Family Life