While we're not quite at the point where you can have your mobile device feed you grapes while you're gently getting fanned, these apps that go out and gather hundreds of headline news items and then read aloud to you the ones you select, are getting pretty close.
And we're here to tell you this concept just keeps getting better. The latest entry into this app space is called Newsbeat and while the core of what the app does, stream audio of newspapers stories, is similar to what we've seen, the creators at Tribune Digital Ventures have added some new wrinkles.
Newsbeat essentially aggregates news content from hundreds of major newspapers and websites gathering upwards to 7,000 national and local stories every day. Then, using the app voices the stories of your choosing through announcers and text to speech technology.
You initially set up your preferred news sources from an endless list and also select the specific topics you'd like Newsbeat to regularly track. The app will provide a truncated version of the story and adds a link out to the full story from the website it sourced. The app even adds local traffic and weather reports to kick off your day prior to getting to the news.
"Newsbeat offers a new way to experience the best print and online news in a personalized audio streaming format," Shashi Seth, president of Tribune Digital Ventures, said in a statement. "We've married high-quality journalism from respected reporters and publications with mobile technology to extend its reach and appeal to an audience that is often on-the-go."
Lots of additional customization features are available, down to very local news and sports settings as well as the ability to choose only favorite websites, newspapers and magazines.
The app is free with the catch that you have to deal with ads that play every 10 minutes or so - however, not overly invasive we might add. Also cool is the fact the app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
Newsbeat is Silicon Valley-based Tribune Digital Ventures' first product of this nature as the 10-month old stand-alone unit of the Tribune Co. continues to move in the new direction consumers are headed in with regard to how they get and consume their news. Tribune Company also recently announced they plan to spin off their eight daily print newspapers to focus more on higher growth broadcasting, entertainment and digital asset areas.
