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Bloomberg targets news readers with Android app

Bloomberg News is growing its mobile offerings with an application for Android tablets, giving business and financial executives yet another way to browse news, market data and personal stocks.

The app is currently available in Google?s Android Market. In addition to the Android app, Bloomberg also has mobile apps on iPhone, iPad, BlackBerry and Nokia devices.

?We want to deliver the critical news and market information that business and financial executives need to make informed decisions, no matter where they are,? said Oke Okaro, general manager and global head of Bloomberg Mobile, New York.

?Over the next six months, you'll see many new Android tablet models from different manufacturers, and we want to be there as people begin to use these devices,? he said.


Personalized news
Using the app, consumers can create personalized news views depending on which subjects and topics they are most interested in.

Consumers can also see industry charts to understand bigger financial and business trends.

In addition, users can choose to divide news by industry, region or popularity, as well as browse particular stocks and access information from the stock?s past five years.

The app features two home screen widgets, so users can get quick snapshots of both the stocks in their portfolios and breaking news.

Additionally, users can read news offline while on their mobile devices.

The main strategy behind Bloomberg?s app is to leverage content from the news company.

?The strategy has been to leverage what Bloomberg is most well-known for ? its trusted news, markets data, and extraordinary charts- and delivering that to consumers in a format that?s well-suited for each device,? Mr. Okaro said.


?Bloomberg works closely with carriers, device manufacturers, and mobile OS companies to bring to market compelling mobile offerings,? he said.


?Bloomberg?s apps have been built to scale across multiple platforms. This is crucial for speed-to-market and consistency of the Bloomberg brand.?


Mobile readership
The news about Bloomberg?s Android app is part of the company?s digital strategy that Mr. Okaro took on in 2010 (see story).


In addition to news apps, Bloomberg has recently created mobile platforms to engage with sports fans, including a mobile version of the fantasy baseball draft kit Front Office 2011.


 ?Specifically, Bloomberg?s focus is providing an experience that?s relevant, engaging, and convenient on mobile,? Mr. Okaro said.


?That means enabling users to personalize information and offering interactive elements, such as superior charting capabilities,? he said.


?One of Bloomberg?s goals has been to be among the first to offer consumers mobile capabilities. Of course, we?ll continue to build, refine, and innovate on these platforms and on other new entrants into the mobile market.?