Another day, another mega Facebook update
One of the great things about social media is that it offers us the opportunity to read news instantaneously. We no longer have to wait for a freshly printed newspaper to appear on our doorstep on a chilly winter morn. Instead, we can simply log on to our favorite platform to see what’s trending, what’s being shared, and to even follow #live events.
Facebook is aware of the power that social media-based news holds. To prove it, they’ve launched a new app called Notify in the United States. Here’s how it works: the app allows you to select different stations that mirror your interests. If you’re a movie buff, the Hot New Trailers station will instantly alert you the second a new movie trailer is released. There are stations for sports lovers, fashion aficionados, people who solely want to read the news, and even for those who are into meditation. Since this is a Facebook app, Notify will also recommend stations based on your profile, so you’re able to discover different news channels that you didn’t know you’d love.
After you select your favorite stations, Notify will publish updates from these sources right on your lock screen. You don’t even have to swipe or type in your passcode, so efficiency is key here. If a certain headline catches your eye, all you have to do is swipe it or tap it. Then, the full article will open for your reading pleasure. However, if you’re busy, but still want to read the full article – Notify has a solution! There’s an option that helps you save it for later. There’s also an in-app feed that lets you see all the notifications you’ve received in the past 24 hours, which means that you’re constantly staying updated on your favorite topics from sources like BuzzFeed, The Huffington Post, The Weather Channel, The New York Times, TIME, and many other popular publications. If you’re the type who likes to spread the word, this new app enables you to share pieces of news with your friends directly from your lock screen. You can e-mail, text, Facebook, or post headlines on other social networks so the middle man is cut out to make your life easier (and more news-friendly). Of course, that whole lock screen thing has some people rolling their eyes. As Wired puts it, it means we’ll be giving “even more of [our] attention” to Facebook.
Truth be told, we’ll get over the whole lock screen thing. Plus, an easier way to read the news? We’re into it.
Related reading:
There’s an app that guesses who you are based on your Facebook likes—and we tried it
[Images via Twitter]
