Personal publishing website Scribd ^[1] has launched a digital newsstand, called Float ^[2], that allows users to access a variety of online news sites at the same place without having to sign up for each one individually.

For those unfamiliar with news, or the internet, should be aware that making money from paid news sites online has proved problematic. Scribd, it seems, is hoping that a Netflix-style access-for-set-pricing set up will prove the difference, offering an app ^[2] that lets users reach paid content within a centralized interface. (Note: linked app is best accessed through a mobile device only.)

According to Scribd executives, some publishers have already agreed to make their content available to the service–such publishers would receive an unspecified cut of the subscription fees–though specific names have yet to be named. What is known is that, ahead of the subscription launch in October, Float has introduced a free version of its service that includes articles from 150 publications, with The AP, Time, Salon, Fortune and People already on board.

Float is a free application, though a subscription plan for some content will be rolled out later this year.

Read more at Bits ^[3].

UPDATE: Minor corrections regarding availability and pricing have been made to the original post since publishing.