ABC has a new set of apps
The ABC has launched a new set of apps.
The announcement:
In recognition of the growing appetite for mobile content, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation today launched refreshed flagship apps for iPhone and iPad. Available as an automatic update to the existing main ABC apps, the upgrades offer new functionality and a more intuitive user experience.
The new design is part of a redevelopment of ABC’s online presence, following extensive audience research and testing by the Corporation’s Innovation Division. The cleaner interface brings news to the foreground, showcasing radio and tv content. Richer article pages allow users easy access to a wide range of content from different ABC sources including text, audio and video. This follows an update to the Android version in the last fortnight.
The ABC’s Managing Director, Mark Scott, said: “Smart phones and tablets are transforming how and where we consume news and information. The ABC must meet the challenge of delivering content to the audience at a time they want and on the device and format they prefer.
“Our new ABC flagship apps are part of that strategy. In the mobile era, we need to constantly evolve our products. We plan to release updates more frequently in 2013, including another improved Android version in June this year.”
An innovative new feature in the app invites people to ‘Wake up with the ABC’ by setting an alarm that links to the ABC program of their choice. ABC audiences can start the day by catching news, sport or weather in 90 seconds, ABC News 24 or a live radio program.
The ABC’s Director of Innovation, Angela Clark, noted that prime time for mobile media interactions is 6 to 9 am. The new app gives users a straightforward way to plug directly into the ABC first thing every morning.
“When we first launched the ABC app for iPhone in 2009 it was a one-stop-shop for ABC content. Since that time iOS and Android versions have been downloaded over 3.75 million times in Australia. We have been capturing user-feedback to help us create better experiences for our audience that will continue to evolve as Australians interact with new media.”
The new versions of the ABC apps for iPhone and iPad will support iOS4.3.5+ and are available now from the Apple App Store. The update to align the existing Android version will follow shortly.
iPhone
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/australian-broadcasting-corporation/id306583229?mt=8iPad
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/australian-broadcasting-corporation/id376620068?mt=8Android smartphones and tablets
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=android.AbcApplicationSource: ABC press release
