NewsLoop hits 17,000 downloads on iPad, launches iPhone app

SingTel’s NewsLoop, a Flipboard-like news reader app for the iPad, is off to a strong start. Since its launch in July 2012, it has been downloaded 17,000 times and obtained strong reviews. For a time, it was also number 3 for free iPad apps in Singapore.

Now, it has just launched an iPhone app in the hopes of capturing more users in the country. The smartphone version of NewsLoop, optimized for the iPhone 5, has the following features:

• Synchronised profiles between iPad and iPhone
• Preview of hot topics on iPad and iPhone
• Add LinkedIn and Tumblr feeds
• Share articles via SMS

Given the smaller screen real estate, the iPhone version will have a tough time matching up with the user experience on the iPad. Returning users on average have spent 6 minutes on the tablet version.

SingTel is also working hard to bring the Newsloop app to Indonesia and Australia. It is currently reviewing content partners for both markets. Both countries are natural destinations for Newsloop, since SingTel owns Australia’s Optus and has a 35% stake in Indonesia’s Telkomsel.

It should be able to leverage on these subsidiaries and their understanding of the local markets to push the app out to even more iOS users. For now, 93% of Newsloop users are from Singapore.

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