A key feature of the enhanced application is the ability to read Telegraph articles offline, making it ideal for those who need to catch up on the latest news when no web connection is available. Other features include weather reports based on the handset’s GPS location, picture galleries, and increased video content, including film trailers.
TMG’s iPhone application also introduces Report, which enables users to generate content, as citizen journalists, by sending pictures and words directly to the Telegraph’s news desk.
The development of the second generation application, led by TMG’s Head of Mobile, Maani Safa, has taken into account valuable feedback from its users to produce an application that not only delivers up to the minute news and video content straight to the users handset, but also introduces more useful and engaging social tools.
In an increasingly networked and mobilised world, people are consuming and interacting with news in more ways than ever before. With this in mind the new application allows users to share content via email, Facebook or Twitter, without leaving the application. Users will also be able to see what is trending on Twitter from within the application and Twitter content related to Telegraph hot topics.
TMG has incorporated a new advertising unit on all articles in addition to its current sponsorship offering.
The new version will initially be available on iPhone and will be rolled out to Blackberry, Android, and other mobile app stores in the coming months.
Maani Safa, Head of Mobile, TMG, said: “At TMG we are committed to innovation and development so we are really excited to be launching the second version of our application, which is practical, easier to use, faster and provides more options for the user. We’ve listened to our users’ feedback and incorporated many new elements to the application that will simplify and improve usability, including the capacity to share news and read offline. We understand what our users need and we are dedicated to delivering this across multiple pioneering platforms.”
The iPhone application supplements the substantial digital output already offered on Telegraph.co.uk, and reinforces TMG’s ongoing commitment to digital development.
According to the Telegraph, over 300,000 people have downloaded the Telegraph application since it launched in February 2009. And, in November 2008, TMG became the first UK publisher to launch an application for Android, Google’s new ‘open-source’ operating system for mobile phones.
