Powerful new platform enables local bloggers to reach mainstream audience
Singapore 17 July 2012 – Singapore Telecommunications Ltd (SingTel) today launched NewsLoop, a ground breaking e-Reader app for iPad that offers the largest selection of Singapore news, blogs, lifestyle articles, photographs and videos. The app also includes content from a wide range of leading international sources.
From business headlines and technology news, to restaurant reviews and health tips, NewsLoop offers articles from more than 230 local and international media sources and blogs in 25 categories. Users can browse through local favourites such as TODAY, The Online Citizen, Channel NewsAsia, publichouse.sg, ieat.ishoot.ipost, Chubby Hubby, CNet Asia, Techgoondu, Tech65 and Lady Iron Chef. Internationally renowned news sources such as Reuters, Bloomberg, BBC and ESPN are also available through the app. (Please refer to Annex 1 for a full list).
Mr Cheong Hai Thoo, SingTel's Head of Multimedia, said: “NewsLoop is designed by Singaporeans for Singaporeans. It differentiates itself from other news apps by being the first to cater specifically to the needs and interests of local readers. It also provides local media and bloggers with a powerful new platform to reach a wider audience and earn additional revenue for their content.”
“Studies have shown that 30 per cent of consumers who read news on a tablet spend more time reading news than they did before they purchased their tablet (1). With NewsLoop’s unique mix of content sources, we hope to provide these users with different perspectives of news and events in Singapore and around the world,” he said.
NewsLoop renders articles in a fresh and easy-to-read magazine-style format. Readers no longer have to scan through long lists of posts and click on link after link. Instead, they can enjoy quick access to all stories and images with a few swipes, making it simpler and more entertaining than ever to discover, view and share content. They can also view the latest headlines in one glance by selecting the carousel mode.
Readers can customise the categories and news sources that they access according to their needs. The app allows users to add news feeds and timelines from Facebook and Twitter. Over time, NewsLoop learns the interests of users and helps them to discover articles that will appeal to them.
Mr Cheong said that NewsLoop is an important addition to SingTel’s growing suite of multimedia offerings, which includes the award-winning AMPed music service, skoob eBook service, deF!ND digital concierge and mio TV.
“SingTel is transforming from a provider of traditional telecommunications services to a multimedia solutions provider. We are constantly developing new apps and services that make the most of our networks and mobile technology to enhance the lives of our customers,” he said.
NewsLoop is available for free download from the Apple App Store. For more information, please visit www.newsloop.co.
ANNEX 1 - NewsLoop local and international content sources: