APP OF THE DAY: BBC News (Android)

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bbc-news-app.jpgiPhone and iPad owners have been able to enjoy quality news coverage from the BBC via a dedicated app for some time now, but as of today Android owners can keep abreast of the lastest in local and world events with the launch of the BBC News app for devices running Google’s operating system too.

Running on all Android builds from version 1.6 upwards, it will run without Flash, though you’ll need Adobe’s plug-in and at least Android 2.2 to access the live video stream of the BBC News channel embedded in the app.

The BBC highlight the main features as:

· Simple design with scroll functionality to enable efficient browsing;

· Tap action to reveal full-screen article and in-story video;

· Sideways ‘swipe’ functionality to move between stories;

· Sharing tools to post stories to a range of social networks, email or send via SMS to a friend;

· Rapid news stories refresh and latest and breaking news ‘ticker’;

· Neat personalisation features, allowing you to personalise the home screen by adding and removing categories;

· Font controls to increase or decrease the story text size.

“A lot of people have been asking when the BBC News app will be made available on Android devices, which is understandable given the platform’s growing popularity. So, I’m delighted to announce that from today the BBC News app will be available to download from Android Market in the UK,” said Anthony Sullivan, Executive Product Manager for News, BBC Future Media.

“An increasing proportion of our audiences now access BBC News via mobile devices. This trend isn’t new – licence-fee payers have been able to access BBC News on mobile phones through their browsers for around nine years – but it’s increasing. We have responded by delivering BBC News Online to devices via apps to ensure a simple, intuitive user experience, with opportunities for personalisation.”

Grab the app by clicking here.

(Android apps are reviewed using a HTC Desire HD – grab one here from Three)

Gerald Lynch
For latest tech stories go to TechDigest.tv

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