Wikipedia is probably one of the best resources on the Internet — a mountain of facts that most people who use it barely ever see. Today, the company announced via blog post that it has a newly re-designed app for iOS that takes advantage of the information you don’t normally see on Wikipedia, by utilizing the new features in iOS 9 and aggregate data from the way people use Wikipedia daily.
The app experience is a now much easier to use than the mobile browser, featuring snappier navigation and gestures with 3D Touch. It probably wins the award for the most creative 3D “peek” gesture, offering users the ability to select an article completely at random with a simple long press. The app also takes advantage of Spotlight search, so your phone’s native search bar can feel more complete and informative.
The minimalist design also draws attention to interesting things found on the app’s home screen, including aggregate data from daily searches as well as Wikipedia entries relevant to your location. The new look not only feels closer to the pared-down look the platform is known for, but the content feels like it matches that idea as well.
There are also useful tools, like an easy to navigate gallery system that allows you to save images and an offline mode that lets you read those articles later.
For the ability to enhance Spotlight search alone, the redesigned Wikipedia is a helpful tool. But if you’re a trivia nut who loves fact-checking your friends, then the ease of use is really helpful.
➤ Wikipedia [iTunes]
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