NYT introduces app updates

The New York Times has announced the introduction of several updates to its News app (iOS and Android) that offer Times readers and subscribers a more personal and convenient way to experience Times journalism.

Whether it’s new audio features and flagship podcasts to catch them up on what they need to know, or more options to follow what interests them and discover something new each day, these updates reflect readers’ evolving preferences and make the News app even more valuable and useful to more people, added the publisher.

The New York Times says highlights of the updated News app include:

• The new Listen tab on iOS introduces a hub for our audio journalism, updated daily by our audio team. Users will find a daily playlist to listen to top stories, culture coverage, and ideas. This tab includes the most recent episodes of “The Headlines,” “The Daily” and more from The Times.
• Articles read by an automated voice, which lets users listen to articles as soon as they’re published, making a large majority of The Times written news report now available in audio form. Users can hit the Play button on supported stories across platforms and the article will be read verbatim by an automated voice.
• The new You tab, a personalized, fully customizable space where readers can easily find their unique interests. If the Today tab is all about the news of the moment and serendipitous discovery, You provides a consistent, reliable shortcut to each user’s interests—as well as suggestions based on reading habits. Additionally, Times readers can access their reading history and saved articles in this tab.

“Our News app serves as a massive entry point to The Times and helps us meet people’s most important news and life needs every single day,” said Alex Hardiman, chief product officer of The New York Times. “We’re incredibly excited for our users to explore these new formats and personalized features, as it reflects our continued dedication to get our journalism to audiences in more creative, accessible and direct ways.”