BBC News 2.5.3
Simplistic UI with few features
For BBC content is key, that's why developers haven't paid much attention to the design of the whole app. The app has fewer features compared to the website and comes in a dark background. There's the option of locking screen orientation or setting up notifications for breaking news. But other than that there are no more settings to be made on this app.
Browse through various stories grouped by content and region
BBC News covers lots of stories from all over the world, so all articles are grouped by category and region, with the option of adding many more sections. A small banner with the latest news is featured on the top of the screen, while coverages are updated instantly. To read, simply tap on articles, which opens text in a white background.
There's the option of increasing the font but you can't zoom in on pictures or write comments. The app also doesn't provide users with access to the news database. You can't search for articles by name or date, which is quite unusual considering the nature of this service. Also, BBS News app only comes with the latest articles and no suggestions of other coverages on the same topic.
Watch or listen to the news
Because time is extremely important for most of us and we'd rather listen to the news while doing other things, BBC News incorporated its watch/listen function into this app. You can watch a news summary with the headlines, but it's only one minute long or you listen to audio broadcasting from the BBC World Service. Still, BBC News could have provided users with narrated articles, seeing how other news apps come with this feature included.
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0/5
Hits & Misses
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misses
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Bottom Line
Design / UI7
Dull design that resembles the website, but comes with fewer features and settings. |
Function7
Audio streaming doesn't face any issues, however the app lacks essential tools, like a search bar, a comments section and zoom on pictures. |
Security9
No online registration, but the app needs access to accounts on the device. |
Battery7
Normal consumption of battery, considering that it updates articles by the minute and provides access to the BBC Radio and other videos. |
Price10
No ads, in-app purchases and the app is completely free of charge. It doesn't even come with rate-us prompts. |
Compatibility9
It requires phones with Android version 2.3 or later to work and it should function just fine on tablets. |
Great app for getting the latest news updates by reading articles or listening to the radio.
Specifications
- price:
- 100% Free
- current version:
- 2.5.3
- reviewed version:
- 2.5.3
- developer:
- BBC Worldwide
- category:
- INTERNET & NETWORK
- os version req.:
- Android version 2.3 or later
- age rating:
- N/A
- in-app purchases:
- No
- hits:
- 318