Flipboard vs SmartNews

May 17, 2023 | Author: Adam Levine
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Flipboard
Flipboard is your Personal Magazine. It's a single place to discover, collect and share the news you care about. Add your favorite social networks, publications and blogs to stay connected to the topics and people closest to you.
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SmartNews
SmartNews is the fastest, most efficient way to get all your news now. Your news in one minute. Zero loading time, a beautiful interface.
Flipboard and SmartNews are both popular news aggregator apps, but they have distinct differences in terms of features, user experience, and content curation. Flipboard offers a visually appealing and personalized magazine-style interface, allowing users to create their own curated news feeds by selecting topics and sources of interest. It focuses on providing a visually rich experience with curated content from publishers, social media, and user-generated sources. SmartNews, on the other hand, aims to provide a streamlined news reading experience with its algorithm-based content selection. It focuses on delivering trending news stories and breaking news in a concise format. SmartNews employs machine learning algorithms to curate news articles from a variety of sources, optimizing for quick and easy consumption.

See also: Top 10 News Readers
Flipboard vs SmartNews in our news:

2023. News aggregator app SmartNews’ latest feature aims to tackle doomscrolling



SmartNews, the news aggregator app, is launching a new feature aimed at addressing the anxiety often associated with constantly consuming negative news, a behavior commonly referred to as "doomscrolling." In contrast to encouraging mindless scrolling through distressing headlines, the new feature, known as SmartTake, promises to provide a curated selection of uplifting stories, editor's picks, informative articles, and soothing visuals all in one convenient place. This represents a notable shift in approach for SmartNews, which has traditionally sent push notifications with news and entertainment headlines designed to entice users to open the app and read, even if the headlines aren't extreme enough to be classified as clickbait. The app's top news section has typically featured attention-grabbing stories, including those related to crimes, kidnappings, accidents, or significant and controversial statements made by public figures and government officials.


2023. Flipboard launches its notes feature on iOS and Android



Flipboard has introduced its notes feature to its iOS and Android apps, following its recent launch on the web. This move positions Flipboard as a participant in the ongoing competition to shift some of the discussions happening on Twitter to its own platform. The notes feature provides users with a convenient method to share thoughts and initiate conversations, according to the company. Flipboard's curators now have the ability to publish original content in their magazines, facilitating engagement and dialogue with their readers. Users can also utilize notes to greet new followers and share their perspectives and ideas.


2021. News aggregator SmartNews raises $230 million



SmartNews, a news aggregation website and app that has gained significant popularity despite facing tough competition from built-in aggregators like Apple News, has successfully raised $230 million in Series F funding. The company, originally founded in Japan in 2012, expanded its presence to the United States in 2014 and recently focused on expanding its coverage of local news. While SmartNews benefits from the expertise of its content team, which includes former journalists, it leverages machine learning algorithms to curate articles and personalize the user experience. What sets SmartNews apart is its commitment to counteract filter bubbles through its unique feature called "News From All Sides," enabling users to access news from a diverse range of political perspectives. This approach promotes a well-rounded and balanced news consumption experience.


2020. News reading app SmartNews raises $92M



SmartNews recently concluded a funding round, securing $92 million at a valuation of $1.2 billion. While news aggregation apps were abundant a few years ago, they didn't all become successful ventures, with many being acquired or shutting down. However, SmartNews stands out due to its distinct advantages. Firstly, it leverages machine learning instead of human curation to provide a personalized news discovery experience for each user. Secondly, unlike many news aggregators, SmartNews values its partnership with publishers rather than treating them as mere commodities. Through initiatives like SmartView First, SmartNews collaborates with select publishers such as Business Insider, Bloomberg, BuzzFeed, and Reuters, offering a customized article format that enhances revenue opportunities and provides better analytics.


2015. News reader Flipboard launches new ads targeting based on user interests



In an effort to provide better targeting options for its advertising partners, Flipboard has introduced a new advertising feature based on the interest graphs it has curated for its users. This means that advertisers can now display their ads alongside topics that align with their target audience's interests. For instance, an advertiser promoting coffee-related products may also have their ads shown alongside craft beer topics, as there is a significant overlap in readership between these two subjects. This approach aims to recreate the advertising experience found in traditional magazines, where high-quality ads are placed alongside related content, even if it's not directly relevant. This strategy aligns with Flipboard's overarching mission of providing a mobile magazine-like experience to its users.


2015. Flipboard allows users to add own opinions to their mobile magazines



The mobile news magazine app Flipboard has introduced an update that empowers magazine creators to infuse their publications with a stronger personal touch. They can now share their thoughts and opinions on the news they present, pose questions, quote text, customize their magazines with links or personal photos, and more. Previously, Flipboard users had the ability to curate their own magazines by pulling in articles from various sources to create unique collections centered around specific topics. However, the aggregated digital content often lacked an editorial voice compared to traditional glossy magazines. With the latest update, creators now have the option to add text, links, images, and other elements to their magazines. Flipboard suggests that this feature can be utilized for purposes such as engaging in discussions with readers, seeking co-contributors, making notes about magazine changes, or asking questions. It also allows magazine builders to highlight impactful sentences, express their own sentiments and opinions about the included articles, thereby providing additional context to the stories.


2015. Flipboard launched web news reader for desktop


The popular mobile news-reading service Flipboard has finally introduced its web version, expanding its reach to desktop users. Flipboard aimed to create a website that feels familiar to its users while staying true to the essence of the web experience. Just as Flipboard dynamically adjusts and optimizes stories for optimal display on smartphones and tablets, its web version utilizes unique design principles and user interaction features tailored specifically for desktop usage. Unlike the flipping gesture used on mobile touchscreens, the web design of Flipboard enables users to scroll through relevant content. The layout adapts based on the type of content being displayed, with some featuring captivating full-bleed images, while others emphasize text. Additionally, the web version incorporates the extensive personalization features that Flipboard has developed over the years, allowing users to enjoy a personalized news experience on the desktop.


2014. Flipboard 3.0 makes topics the center of attention



Flipboard has introduced a new iteration of its social-magazine app, featuring enhanced curation tools and the introduction of a daily newspaper-style magazine, meticulously curated by the company's editorial team. The app now incorporates content analysis and recommendation technology developed by Zite (acquired by Flipboard in March), making it easier for users to navigate through their personalized collection of 10 million magazines. When users, both new and existing, access the topic picker, they will now discover additional sub-topics related to their selection, expanding the range of their interests. Previously, Flipboard offered 30 topics, but now users can choose from an impressive total of 34,000 topics. Furthermore, the mobile app has undergone a comprehensive redesign, simplifying the process of signing up and selecting topics. However, the most significant addition in this new version is the introduction of a curated daily news-magazine called The Daily Edition. This magazine, compiled by Flipboard's staff, aims to provide users with a convenient way to stay updated on the latest top news across various sectors, offering a one-stop resource for catching up.

Author: Adam Levine
Adam is an expert in project management, collaboration and productivity technologies, team management, and motivation. With an extensive background working at prestigious companies such as Microsoft and Accenture, Adam's in-depth knowledge and experience in the field make him a sought-after professional. Currently, he has ventured into entrepreneurship, owning a thriving consulting and training agency where he imparts invaluable insights and practical strategies to individuals and organizations, empowering them to achieve their goals and maximize their potential. You can contact Adam via email adam@liventerprise.com