Sky launches ad-funded news application on iPhone

Sky News has launched a new ad-funded video application on Apple’s iPhone, which delivers breaking news via text, images and video content.

Sky has signed Bacardi as its first brand to advertise on the application, which also allows users to send their own news and pictures directly through to the broadcaster, according to reports.

The application will cover news across seven different categories, including sport, business and showbiz, while the video content will feature in-depth coverage, news round-ups and up-to-date weather reports.

James Weeks, executive producer of new media for Sky News, said: “This app for iPhone brings yet another first to Sky News viewers. We have spent a long time developing this app to make sure that it delivers first-class breaking news in the way that Sky News viewers and web users have come to expect.”

Sky’s latest application follows on from its Sky+ Remote Record app, which enables users to programme their Sky+ box at home to record TV shows through their iPhone handset.

Earlier today, Forrester Research reported a 20% year on year increase of mobile internet use across Europe, particularly for users with smartphones, such as the iPhone (see Mobile internet access is on the up).

Thomas Husson, an analyst at Forrester, said: “Apple is only the tip of the iceberg, as drivers are now in place for mass-market take up of the mobile internet in Europe.

“The expansion of internet brands, smarter phones, and high-speed networks are enabling compelling user experiences that, coupled with all-you-can-eat data plans, are driving usage.”