Over the summer, Slate launched a free iPad app. In case you missed it—maybe you were swimming in a lake somewhere, or maybe you hadn’t yet succumbed to the lure of the iPad—there’s never been a better moment to download the Slate app. We’ve just released an update that makes the app more stable and enables users to listen to Slate podcasts when the device is hibernating or asleep.
The app gives readers access to our articles, videos, podcasts, and our news aggregator, “The Slatest.” It features clean, uncluttered pages, and innovative, easy-to-use navigation that helps users explore the magazine section by section. We were proud of the app when we launched it, and we’ve been glad to hear users like it, too: It’s now been downloaded more than 100,000 times and won praise from critics and users alike. The New York Times liked our Facebook and Twitter tools, noting: “Slate will definitely win favor with its readers for easily integrating social aspects into the app.” Gizmodo liked our clean style: “If you ever were intimidated by the complex navigational systems of some of the glossier iPad magazines, you’ll welcome Slate’s simple approach.” Even more gratifying has been the response from users. Daniel Bell wrote in to say: “I am amazed how freaking awesome this is. This is how news apps are supposed to be!”
Slate’s app is still a work in progress. We’ve heard a lot of good suggestions from users, who want Instapaper integration, commenting, and better access to recurring features like the Mad Men “TV Club.” In the coming months, we’ll be rolling out further improvements along these lines. So, please, give the app a try and let us know what you think. Comment below, write us at ipad@slate.com, or leave a review on iTunes.
(Get Slate’s iPad app.)
