USA TODAY's Latest App Update Features Newest IOS Innovation

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Jan 06, 2014, 09:59 ET

Updated App Includes Customizable Push Notifications, USA TODAY's Best-Selling Books List, Trailer Trivia

MCLEAN, Va., Jan. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- USA TODAY's most recent updates for the iPhone and iPad apps feature improvements that allow users to more easily access, customize and share content.

Among the many upgrades, the USA TODAY iPhone app now includes Chrono, a feature that allows users access to on-demand audio content through a voice control system. Originally developed for the Ford SYNC system and announced at the 2013 International CES, Chrono has expanded to operate in all vehicles or anywhere hands-free news is desired. To access Chrono, from the menu screen in the USA TODAY app, users simply tap the icon at the bottom of the page and speak the stories they want to hear. Users can play, pause, skip or go back within and between stories to customize their listening experience even further. Chrono can be heard through headphones, the phone's speaker, any Bluetooth, or through Ford SYNC, safely delivering USA TODAY content in the car.

"We are passionate about delivering USA TODAY content to consumers anywhere, anytime on any device and Chrono allows us to do just that. The same stories consumers read on our app, can now be heard via audio in an on-demand, on-command context. No other competitor has this kind of native voice feature without the use of an additional third party," said David Payne, Gannett's chief digital officer.

The iPad app received several updates as well including customizable push notifications, allowing users to pre-select the types of alerts they wish to receive. Users can also set hours of quiet time where notifications will not be received.

The iPad update also includes the first-time addition of Trailer Trivia. Powered by Trailerpop, Trailer Trivia will allow iPad app users to play new movie trailers each day and answer trivia questions about actors, films and other movie-related topics. Players will be able to see how they rank in leader boards and compete to win movie tickets and prizes from partners and sponsors, including from launch sponsor Kernel Season's.

"We're always looking for new and creative ways to engage movie fans and grow our passionate community, and we're excited to bring our signature platform to USA TODAY," said Jon Vlassopulos, CEO and founder, Trailerpop. "USA TODAY iPad app readers will be able to discover entertainment and play games tied to their favorite movies while advertising partners will have the perfect platform to associate with the best movies and reach a highly passionate fanbase."

USA TODAY's Best-Selling Books List is also featured, for the first time, in the Life section of both the iPhone and iPad apps. Featuring the top 150 books each week, users can enjoy book excerpts, read reviews and purchase books for home delivery or to read through their iPad.

USA TODAY is a multi-platform news and information media company. Founded in 1982, USA TODAY's mission is to serve as a forum for better understanding and unity to help make the USA truly one nation. Through its unique visual storytelling, USA TODAY delivers high-quality and engaging content across print, digital, social and video platforms. An innovator of news and information, USA TODAY reflects the pulse of the nation and serves as the host of the American conversation – today, tomorrow and for decades to follow. USA TODAY reaches a monthly audience of more than 44 million. USA TODAY is owned by Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI).

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SOURCE USA TODAY