Microsoft is releasing the latest version of its Windows OS today, Windows 8. Unlike previous installments of the ubiquitous software, Windows 8 is also optimized for use on tablets, and features an integrated app store, a la Apple’s iOS and Mac platforms. TV news networks, as they were with Apple, are among the early adopters.
ABC News and NBC news have announced their own Windows 8 applications, and CNN says it will be releasing an app soon as well. Update: Fox News is also preparing to launch a Windows 8 app.
NBC’s app will be customizable, allowing users to select what sort of news stories they are most interested in. Stories can also be accessed offline. NBC and Microsoft had been partners on MSNBC.com, finally splitting earlier this year. They retain a connection however, as Windows 8 is the presenting sponsor of Democracy Plaza and NBC’s election night coverage. Microsoft Surface tablets, pre-loaded with NBC’s app, will be stationed around Rockefeller Plaza for the event.
ABC’s app will be very similar to its iOS app, which changes depending on the time of day. Exclusive Windows 8 features include a “trending” section, a new lifestyle section and more time-specific content.
More information on both, below.
NBC NEWS LAUNCHES APP FOR WINDOWS 8
Just in time for the election, the NBC News App for Windows 8 debuts at Democracy Plaza
NEW YORK – October 25, 2012 – NBC News today launched a new app for Windows 8 that enables users to consume their favorite NBC News stories in a fast, fluid and customizable way. From in-depth analysis and breaking news, to videos, interactive graphics, and social media updates, the NBC News app for Windows 8 harnesses the power of NBC News across a wide range of Windows 8 devices. News stories are also cached and can be accessed offline on the device. Users can personalize their news feed based on preferred categories– ranging from “Top Stories,” “Politics” and “World News,” to the latest stories from their favorite NBC News programs including “Nightly News,” “TODAY,” “Meet the Press,” “Rock Center with Brian Williams,” “Dateline,” and more. The NBC News app for Windows 8 puts video, multimedia, photos and social tools first so users can connect with the information they need and the people important to them.
In time for the 2012 presidential election, the NBC News app for Windows 8 features a “Decision 2012” section where users can explore how the issues that are important to them align with the candidates, discover what’s being said and how people are feeling about the election on social media, as well as get the latest polling from NBC News.
“Being one of the first news organizations to have an app on the new Windows user interface reflects NBC News’ commitment to making our high-quality journalism available in as many places as possible,” said Vivian Schiller, SVP & Chief Digital Officer of NBC News. “Windows 8 enables users to consume and engage with our content in an intuitive and innovative way.”
“Windows 8 is all about connection to what you love and who doesn’t love political debate!” said Kathleen Hall, general manager consumer marketing, Windows. “We are pleased to be partnering with NBC to help bring quality content to this year’s political process with the NBC News app and our hands-on experience at Democracy Plaza .”
The NBC News app for Windows 8 is making its debut at Democracy Plaza next week in New York City. Democracy Plaza, created by NBC News and powered by Windows 8, is a weeklong celebration of democracy and citizenship at NBC’s headquarters at Rockefeller Plaza. Through Election Night, visitors of Democracy Plaza can interact with and explore the NBC News app for Windows 8, as well as the new Windows 8 software and features on over 30 Microsoft Surface devices stationed around the Plaza.
The NBC News app for Windows 8 is available for download here.
Breaking News, the startup run by NBC News Digital, has also launched an app for Windows 8 that displays breaking stories in real-time from hundreds of news sources and verified eyewitnesses around the world. To download, click here.
SEE THE WHOLE PICTURE:
ABC NEWS LAUNCHES NEW ABC NEWS WINDOWS 8 APPNew App Features ABC News’ Award-Winning stories, Featured Videos, Exclusive Interviews and Picture Slideshows
ABC News announced the release of the new ABC News Windows 8 App today, designed for Microsoft’s highly anticipated Windows 8 operating system, available for all laptops, desktops and the Windows 8 Surface tablet tomorrow. The ABC News Windows 8 App joins the award-winning ABC News App and the ABC Owned Television Stations local news Apps for iPad, delivering the same high-quality videos, photo slideshows, breaking news stories and exclusive interviews that users can expect from ABC News. The ABC News Windows 8 App is now available for free in the Windows Store today.
The ABC News Windows 8 App is more than just a website; it is a rich resource for news junkies and casual readers alike. Exclusive digital sections on the Microsoft compatible App provide readily accessible, organized content for users wherever and whenever they demand information. Similar to the ABC News App for iPad, the ABC News Windows 8 App features content that is tailored to meet the varying needs and interests of consumers throughout the day with three day-parted editions — AM, Midday and Evening. While the AM edition includes more stories and articles, the app’s Evening edition focuses primarily on videos and picture slideshows, providing users a truly unique experience.
“ABC News continues to evolve and adapt to consumer demands in this ever-changing digital age,” said Doug Vance, VP of Product Development. “The ABC News Windows 8 App offers the same customized, personal news experience already available on iPad and Android devices. We are extending the reach of ABC News and have made our content even more accessible to a new and growing digital audience.”
The ABC News Windows 8 App is optimized to take full advantage of Microsoft’s brand new operating system, which has been developed for tablets, laptops and desktop computers. A continuous horizontal scroll provides tablet users with an intuitive way to browse the day’s top stories and videos with a simple swipe. The ABC News App includes breaking news alerts and bulletins that are integrated with the Live Tiles feature, ensuring users stay connected to the latest headlines, even when the ABC News App is off. Multi-taskers can also stay informed with Snap View, a feature that allows on-the-go users to ‘snap’ up their favorite story categories including: Politics & Elections, Health, Money, Technology, National, International and Travel News.
ABC News App users can also pin their favorite programs to Microsoft’s new start screen for easy, instant access to content anytime a news craving strikes. From “Good Morning America” and “World News with Diane Sawyer,” to “Nightline,” “20/20,” and “This Week with George Stephanopoulos,” the ABC News Windows 8 App offers users the chance to prioritize and organize content based on personal preferences.
Exclusive digital sections and features only available on the ABC News Windows 8 App include:
Lifestyle and Fun Section: An exciting round-up of the day’s most interesting and useful features, organized in one place for convenient browsing.
Trending Stories Section: A round-up of the hottest topics and tweeted trends that keep users up-to-date on the latest buzz.
More Day-Parted Content: A collection of featured stories and videos available to users, optimized for specific times of day.
The ABC News Windows 8 App will enable users to see the whole picture with unlimited access to the latest breaking news headlines, stories and original videos.