#18 - News App Critique

 NewsBreak 

News apps aren't necessarily how I keep myself updated on the news; however, I will generally get notifications from the Apple News app on my iPhone. Because news apps aren't my primary source of news, I wanted to critique an app that I can possibly use from now on. To choose, I went online to research some recommended and unbiased news apps. I kept coming across the app NewsBreak and decided to give it a look. 

After downloading NewsBreak on my phone, I began looking at the app's ratings and reviews. The app is rated 4.5 out of 5 and has been rated by 674,303 people. The reviews were mixed, with some saying that the app is "decent" or "the best" and others saying that the app "has potential" or is "the worst." I determined that the reviews would not be conclusive, so I decided it was time for me to choose for myself if the app was one I could use. 

When you initially get on the app, you are prompted to enter your zip code to receive your local news. The app is described to give you news from your location; however, the app has headlines from almost every news platform. 

NewsBreak is very organized; it is one of my favorite aspects of the app. You are given multiple topics to choose from, such as 'For You, Local, COVID, Headlines, Entertainment," and more. Something else I really like about the app is that you can personalize what topics to choose from. 

NewsBreak also gives you an option to follow different news outlets. I was recommended local outlets as well as other popular outlets that other NewsBreak users follow. 

Lastly, when choosing an article to read, the app will let you choose to view it like it is on the web or read it from a "simple view." For example, when looking at an article written by Magnolia Reporter, I can view the article precisely as I would on the Magnolia Reporter website. I especially like this feature because I can look at other news outlets' platforms without exiting the app. 

After critiquing NewsBreak, I recommend that others download the app themselves to determine if they would like to use it. After all, the things that make this app great to me may bother someone else; however, I believe the app is trustworthy and a great source of news, especially if you want to receive news locally, nationally, and internationally. I enjoyed looking at NewsBreak, and I will continue to use it to receive news updates and information.