This article was published on July 27, 2010

CNN goes worldwide; launches free international version of its iPhone app.


CNN goes worldwide; launches free international version of its iPhone app.

TNW Quick Hit

CNN International brings a free iPhone and iPod Touch CNN app to users outside of the US.

Love It: Great functions, really slick UI.

Hate It: The paid version has ads. This one will too.

Overall: 3/5

The Details

For US-based users, the CNN application for iPhone and iPod Touch will run $1.99. It’s not a very high price, but it’s gotten a lot of flack for having advertising included in a paid application. The other major problem is that you can only get it in the United States.

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With the new International version of the CNN app, the news network is hoping to expand those borders while providing the same user experience.

The features are, for the most part, what you’d expect:

  • Push Notifiacation
  • Personalization
  • iReport Function
  • Video on Demand

The personalization is pretty slick, as  you’re able to follow a story or topic, then get push notifications as it updates. You can also save stories for a later view, even when offline. There is also regionally-targeted content for Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.

The iReport function is, arguably, the most important feature of the app. Having the ability to record and then instantly upload your own reports is pretty amazing. Having an outlet other than the traditional video hosting services should open many doors for the “citizen journalists” worldwide.

Here’s the promotional video for the new application, and you can grab it from the App Store for free. One caveat, however:

Launch advertiser Suzlon, a leading wind power company, will be featured in the international CNN App with banner ads.

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