Report: Apple looks to repackage content for tablet

Apple is looking at ways TV, magazine and newspaper content can be presented differently on its upcoming tablet device, according to a report published in the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday.

The company is also targeting the tablet as a gaming device, for which Apple is working with video-game publisher Electronic Arts, according to the report, which quoted people familiar with the situation.

Apple reportedly is talking to many service providers to deliver content to the device. For magazine content, Apple is talking with companies including The New York Times, Conde Nast Publications and News Corp., the report said. Apple is also negotiating with CBS and Walt Disney to deliver monthly TV subscription services.

Apple is reportedly also talking to HarperCollins Publishers to sell electronic books for the tablet. As part of the deal, HarperCollins will set its own price for the e-books, from which Apple will get a cut. Apple's purchase of streaming music provider Lala.com in December has also been linked to the tablet.

Though Apple hasn't confirmed the device, the company has sent out invitations for a Jan. 27 launch event where the tablet is expected to be launched. The device is said to be a larger version of the iPhone with a touch screen sized about 10 inches to 11 inches and a virtual keyboard.

Kai-Fu Lee, a former Apple employee and previously the head of Google in China, recently blogged that the tablet would come with 3D graphics and a price tag below US$1,000.