CBC News launches new Android app
CBC News has launched a new app for Android users, building on the success of its iOS 8 app launch in the fall.
The CBC News app for Android has been completely rebuilt so users get more local news, video and weather, plus faster access to breaking news. The app features a customizable menu, breaking news 'push' alerts, more photos and video, including The National and local newscasts.
The app is optimized for the Nexus 5, 6 and Nexus 9 tablet and other devices running Android 5.0 Lollipop. Many of the new features are based on feedback and recommendations from the Android community, including a core group of users who got a chance to try new features before they were released to the store.
More than half of CBC News's daily digital audience is on a mobile device. In June, CBC president and CEO Hubert T. Lacroix announced the broadcaster would shift its priorities from television and radio to digital and mobile services as part of its new strategy A space for us all.
In the fall, as part of that strategy, CBC News launched a redesigned app to coincide with Apple's release of iOS 8 and the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.
Jennifer McGuire, general manager and editor in chief of CBC News and centres, said the new Android and iOS apps are designed to give Canadians better access to the CBC journalism happening in their local communities throughout the day.
"At the centre of our strategy is a move from one screen to many screens, increasing the local touchpoints we have with Canadians in each of their communities, and offering a comprehensive local news and information service across the day on all platforms, leading with mobile," she said.
