App: AP Mobile

Available for: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad

Cost: Free

5/5 downloads

News is always happening, making it hard to stay with information updates while on the go. That is where ‘AP Mobile’ comes in. The official application of The Associated Press news service brings the latest news from near and far to your fingertips. Its easy-to-use interface makes it the ideal news app out there.

Once a Wi-Fi connection is established, the app prompts users to enter their zip code. It then gathers the latest news from their area, as well as national updates. Users can easily add or remove locations by tapping the settings menu and changing which states or regions the app follows.

The initial screen contains an extensive list of the latest stories hitting the wire. The list displays the headlines, datelines and a brief preview of the story. A quick tap brings the user to the full text of the story and any relevant pictures. One of app’s great features allows the user to customize how they view a story. If pictures are in the way, they can be taken out in the settings menu. If the word size is too big or too small, the user can change the font size on the same menu.

If hard news isn’t your cup of tea, you can change which categories show up on the home screen. If you prefer sports-related news, this section can be moved to the top of the list. Users can add or remove specific news categories, arranging which stories will display when the app first opens.

A search bar allows for easy access to any story, which will turn in results in relatively little time. Typing in a key word or phrase brings up any relevant stories in the AP database. After the word is first typed in, the app keeps it on file for access later, just in case any stories are updated.

Users can even act like reporters with the ‘Send to AP’ option. If they witness a breaking news story, they can send in a tip and a description, along with any photos or videos of the event. They will be prompted to enter their contact information in case any more details are needed.

The weather feature is easily the most impressive aspect of ‘AP Mobile.’ Knowing whether to choose a light fleece or a puffy North Face trench can make all the difference during a Syracuse winter. Tapping the weather icon brings up the five-day forecast of the user’s chosen location. Another tap reveals a detailed forecast for the day, including any rain or snow that might be on the way.

‘AP Mobile’ also connects to social media outlets, such as Facebook and Twitter. Users can easily post stories for their friends and followers to see on either site. Users can also e-mail the link of their favorite story straight from the app.

As with other free apps, ‘AP Mobile’ is stuffed with advertisements on nearly every page. At least the designers kept them small so they don’t interfere with the article’s readability.

‘AP Mobile’ brings the latest news and information from around the corner and around the globe to the palm of your hand. Even with a television or computer nearby, it is the best way to stay on top of the world.

nerivera@syr.edu

Published on December 7, 2010 at 12:00 pm