Although there are several news-collating apps available to download on to your iPhone, it is SUMMLY that has caught our eye at Rimontgó.
In the most basic terms, SUMMLY is a news browser that collates articles hitting the headlines from many different sources around the world. Then it uses clever and intuitive algorithmic technology to summarise each text, providing the reader with a useful overview to peruse before deciding whether to read the more extensive version.
Users can choose from categories including business, technology, sports, entertainment and arts, world news, art and design, fashion and style, headlines, politics, science and UK news. To further drill down into the topics that interest you most, simply enter a keyword to find more specific information on your chosen subject from any of the categories.
The app’s design is clear and user focused. There are no buttons cluttering up the screen and navigation is by ‘swipe’. Swipe down to read the full version of a text, up to return to the menu, and left or right to read the different summaries available in a given category. No time to catch up on the news right now? Then why not save any of the articles or summaries that pique your interest to read offline at a later date.
But SUMMLY is not just about reading the news; it’s also about sharing! Tap anywhere on the screen for a flower of links to appear, then choose to either tweet, facebook or email your chosen article to the rest of the world (or at least your social media contacts).
This elegant app is currently available on iPhones and the iPod touch but will hopefully be rolled out to more devices in the future. Its clean esthetics and simple navigation ensure that it’s simple to use on the move, filling up your otherwise wasted time when you’re waiting in a queue or travelling on public transport.
Incredibly, SUMMLY’s creator and founder, London born Nick d’Aloisio was just 15 years old when he first developed this app (which was then called Trimit) while looking for a way to more efficiently search for the information he needed to study for a history exam. It wasn’t even his first creation – he started writing apps at 12 years old! Having obviously impressed Apple with his genius, d’Aloisio then managed to secure the necessary angel funding from the celebrity world of film, television and music; he can count the likes of Stephen Fry, Ashton Kutcher and even Yoko Ono among his backers. We’re sure he’s going to be a name to watch out for in the future.
