CNN leverages iOS 4 features with international news app

By Giselle Tsirulnik

July 23, 2010

CNN provides iPhone users with news and eye-catching visuals

Following the success of its iPhone and iPod touch application in the United States last year, CNN has launched an international news application targeting readers overseas.

The interactive application features the ability to follow news by topic, upload iReports and watch video. The launch sponsor is wind power company Suzlan.

The application maximizes the newest features of iOS 4. It features push notification, regionalization and personalization tools.

CNN showcases important global news through text, video and photos, and also includes user-generated content capture and upload functionality through iReport, CNN’s user-generated news community. 

Consumers are given the ability to “follow” a story or topic. As CNN publishes new stories and developments related to topics designated by the user, the application will automatically alert the user by pushing a notification to the device. 

“Saved” content functionality gives users access to text stories that interest them anytime, anywhere – even when they’re offline.

Regionally-targeted news based on the user’s selection of content from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America or the Middle East.

The application lets users browse user-generated content, register, sign-in to their account or sign on as a guest to capture and instantly upload user-generated photos and videos.

Users can also browse iReport’s latest “assignments,” asking the community to weigh in on various news stories.

The application is easy to navigate. Users can flick through news stories across categories including Top Stories, U.S., Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, Business, Sport, Entertainment, Tech and Travel.

Each story features bulleted highlights above the full article, designed to satisfy mobile “snackers,” allowing them to easily scan through the latest stories.

Users can share stories via email, Twitter and Facebook directly from the application.

The application gives users access to an extensive selection of on-demand video clips across many categories, including World, Most Popular, Sport, Business, U.S., Entertainment, Tech and CNN en Español.