BBC Magazines has launched a new digital version of its monthly science and technology magazine BBC Focus for the first time on the iPad.

Focus's iPad app, free to download for print subscribers, launches with the December issue at a cost of £3.49.

The BBC has introduced a unique innovation in the Focus iPad app whereby each page has been designed on a dual viewing mode so content can be viewed in both portrait and landscape orientation.

Besides, it boasts several other interactive features, including an animated cover, integrated video and audio, and 360-degree photography that allows users to see the very latest gadgets and consumer technology from all angles.

Peter Phippen, managing director of BBC Magazines, said, "This is a very exciting development for BBC Magazines as it moves into the next phase of digital publishing and I will be announcing more digital titles this financial year."

Technology firm Mobile IQ was assigned the task of building the app created by BBC's in-house editorial and art teams.