Patch's cutting-edge platform for hyperlocal news, community engagement and the most comprehensive local directories found online just sprouted up on users' iPhones.
The media company on April 14 released its first smartphone app, which can be downloaded free in Apple's iPhone app store. An for Google's platform will soon follow.
The new app features a sleek news reader highlighting all the local news, columns and multimedia features locals have come to love online, full access to our business and community directories and an interactive events calendar that lets users add events to their native iPhone calendars with one touch.
User interactivity is important to Patch, and the new app allows users to comment on articles, rate businesses, share favorite Patch links through Facebook or email and upload photos or videos from their phones right into our articles and directory listings.
For example, having a great meal at a local restaurant? Upload a picture of the main course to that restaurant's directory listing. Snap a few photos at the community street fair? Upload them to Patch stories of the festivities.
And while users love their hometown Patch, the new app also allows for switching easily between neighboring Patches that interest them.
Download the app today using this link, and if you have any feedback, then please send it to mobile_thoughts@patch.com.
I have been using the mobile website and it is the first mobile website I have visited that is better than the desktop site!